disingenuous

/ˌdɪs.ɪnˈdʒen.ju.əs/
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Not fully sincere or honest, often while pretending otherwise.

Examples

  • Calling the delay unavoidable was disingenuous.
  • She was disingenuous about her financial interest.
  • It was disingenuous to deny any involvement.
  • The apology sounded disingenuous.
  • His disingenuous answer omitted the key fact.

Similar words

insincere
evasive
misleading

Meanings

Misleadingly insincere

adjective
honesty
formal
Describes a claim or manner that hides relevant knowledge or motives while seeming candid.

Examples

  • It was disingenuous to deny any involvement.
  • His disingenuous answer omitted the key fact.
  • She was disingenuous about her financial interest.
  • The apology sounded disingenuous.
  • Calling the delay unavoidable was disingenuous.

Similar words

Etymology

Dis- negates ingenuous, which comes from Latin ingenuus, frank or candid.

FAQ

What does disingenuous mean?

Disingenuous means not entirely honest or sincere.

When is disingenuous used?

It often describes an answer, claim, apology, or denial.

How does disingenuous differ from mistaken?

Mistaken may be an honest error. disingenuous implies evasiveness.

How is disingenuous used in a sentence?

His disingenuous answer omitted the key fact.

Is disingenuous formal?

Yes, it is formal and critical.

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