deceitfulness

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "deceitfulness" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the quality of being deceitful or dishonest in various contexts, such as discussions about trust or integrity. Example: "The deceitfulness of his actions ultimately led to the breakdown of their relationship."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

37 human-written examples

Present-day papal deceitfulness and arrogance are, for Wills, most vividly illustrated by Paul VI's taking the question of birth control out of the hands of the Second Vatican Council.

The New York Times - Books

He was later employed as a public relations writer in upstate New York, but his reservations about what he considered the deceitfulness of the profession led him to pursue fiction writing full-time.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He admits he's never been tested for sexually transmitted infections (STIs), but says he isn't operating out of deceitfulness.

Independent

A study has found that men with the "dark triad" of traits – narcissism, thrill- seeking and deceitfulness – are likely to have a larger number of sexual affairs.

Independent

The myth of women's deceitfulness is one of the oldest.

The New Yorker

It struck me as a bit rich, however, to make such sport of Hollywood deceitfulness and then to round off your movie with an expert helping of white lies, piling on car chases that never occurred.

The New Yorker

Researchers argue over whether tests used to measure it should focus on behavior or attempt to incorporate personality traits — like deceitfulness, glibness, and lack of remorse — as well.

The New Yorker

It is far more common to fall under the wheels of someone on the psychopathic spectrum, with enough of the charm, egoism, deceitfulness, aggression, manipulativeness and lack of empathy to ride blithely over the heads of others — and just enough normalcy to avoid detection.

The New York Times - Health

To the Sports Editor: Knowing full well the deceitfulness.

The New York Times - Sports

Griping about Afghan corruption, deceitfulness, backwardness and ignorance is hardly uncommon among soldiers — noncommissioned officers and officers alike — and is not in itself inherently bad.

The New York Times

Dr. Skeem and Dr. Cooke warned in their paper that the checklist was increasingly being mistaken for a complete definition of psychopathy -- a broader personality construct that includes deceitfulness, impulsivity and recklessness, though not always aggression or illegal acts.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In legal or formal contexts, consider pairing "deceitfulness" with specific actions to provide concrete examples of the behavior in question.

Common error

While "deceitfulness" is appropriate in formal settings, it can sound overly harsh or stilted in casual conversation. Opt for simpler terms like "lying" or "dishonesty" in everyday contexts.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "deceitfulness" is that of a noun. It refers to the quality or state of being deceitful. Ludwig AI highlights its use across various contexts, confirming its role in describing abstract qualities.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Encyclopedias

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "deceitfulness" functions as a noun denoting the quality of being deceptive, frequently employed across diverse fields, particularly within news and media, encyclopedias, and scientific publications. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable standing in written English, yet advises sensitivity to formality. While grammatically sound and widely understood, its elevated tone may render it unsuitable for informal discourse. When aiming for precision and depth in discussions of ethics or character flaws, "deceitfulness" stands as a reliable descriptor, offering clear communication in professional and analytical contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

duplicity

Implies a deliberate attempt to hide one's true intentions.

dishonest conduct

Focuses on the behavior rather than the inherent quality.

fraudulent behavior

Highlights the illegal or unethical nature of the deception.

mendacious nature

Emphasizes the inherent quality of being prone to lying.

tendency to mislead

Highlights the intention to guide someone towards a wrong belief.

act of deception

Focuses on the act rather than the quality, less direct.

practice of subterfuge

Implies a more elaborate and strategic form of deception.

habitual lying

Emphasizes a pattern of lying rather than a general tendency.

art of deception

Emphasizes the skill involved in deceiving.

guile and cunning

Uses a pair of words to highlight specific aspects of deceit.

FAQs

How to use "deceitfulness" in a sentence?

"Deceitfulness" is used to describe the quality of being deceptive. For example, "The politician's "deceitfulness" was revealed during the investigation."

What can I say instead of "deceitfulness"?

You can use alternatives like "dishonesty", "deception", or "duplicity" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "deceitfulness" or "deceitful"?

"Deceitfulness" is a noun that refers to the quality of being deceitful, while "deceitful" is an adjective that describes someone or something characterized by deceit. For example, "His "deceitfulness" was shocking" vs. "He is a deceitful person".

What's the difference between "deceitfulness" and "lying"?

"Lying" refers to the act of telling a false statement, while "deceitfulness" encompasses a broader range of deceptive behaviors, including lying, misrepresentation, and concealment. "Deceitfulness" is the broader concept.