double-dealing

USAGE SUMMARY

'double-dealing' is a correct and commonly used word in written English.
It refers to the act of being deceitful or dishonest, typically by pretending to act in one way while actually acting in the opposite manner. Example: After months of negotiations, it was revealed that the politician was guilty of double-dealing with multiple companies, accepting bribes in exchange for favorable legislation.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

47 human-written examples

His double-dealing was to prove his undoing.

Encyclopedia Britannica

And after much deadly double-dealing, he succeeded.

The New York Times - Books

There was double-dealing by the White House.

The New York Times

We invaded two countries, and allied with a third — all renowned as masters at double-dealing.

The New York Times

The suit ties the decision to renege on the deal to traditional Hollywood double-dealing.

The New York Times

Wars and political chicanery, violence, double-dealing and betrayal, all swirl around his unoffending head.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

11 human-written examples

David Cameronhe Conservative leader, accused the government of "double dealing".

The Guardian

"But we don't need a Pakistan that is just double dealing".

The Guardian

"Through such tactics and double dealing Pakistan will earn nothing but revenge".

The Guardian

"Pakistan was double dealing and insincere with the Afghan government," he said.

The Guardian

But look at what lies beneath and you will find double dealing, iniquity, and the planned demolition of institutions.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

The hyphen is essential when the term is used as a compound adjective before a noun, such as a "double-dealing politician", or as a compound noun.

Common error

Do not use "double-dealing" as a generic synonym for any lie. It specifically implies a structural deceit where a person maintains two conflicting relationships or agreements simultaneously.

Linguistic Context

In the examples provided by Ludwig, "double-dealing" functions primarily as a compound noun (referring to the act itself) or a compound adjective (describing a person or entity). Ludwig AI confirms it is a correct and commonly used term in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Encyclopedias

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

As demonstrated by the extensive data from Ludwig, "double-dealing" is a robust term used to expose complex dishonesty. It appears most frequently in reporting on political scandal and international diplomacy, where individuals or nations pretend to cooperate while secretly undermining their partners. Ludwig AI emphasizes that it is a correct term for describing someone acting in one way while actually doing the opposite. Whether used as a noun to describe the practice or as an adjective to describe a "double-dealing" pirate or politician, the word provides a sharp, sophisticated critique of a breach of trust.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

duplicity

Focuses more on the state of being two-faced or the quality of having two different intentions

double-crossing

Specifically refers to betraying a partner after a secret agreement has been made

deceit

A broader term for any act of misleading others, not necessarily involving two simultaneous deals

bad faith

A legal and formal term indicating a lack of honest intent in negotiations or contracts

treachery

Carries a stronger moral weight and often implies a betrayal of trust or country

chicanery

Emphasizes the use of trickery and legalistic maneuvering to achieve a goal

two-facedness

A more informal, descriptive term for acting differently with different people to deceive them

underhandedness

Describes actions that are sneaky or secretive but perhaps less complex than a double deal

perfidy

A highly formal, literary term for a deliberate breach of faith or trust

hypocrisy

Focuses on the contradiction between one's stated virtues and their actual behavior

FAQs

What can I say instead of "double-dealing"?

You can use alternatives like "duplicity", "bad faith" or "chicanery" depending on how formal you want to be.

Is "double-dealing" hyphenated?

Yes, "double-dealing" is typically hyphenated both as a noun and as an adjective in standard English usage.

What is the difference between "double-dealing" and "double-crossing"?

While "double-crossing" usually refers to a single act of betrayal, "double-dealing" implies an ongoing process of deceptive maneuvers and dishonest negotiations.

Is "double-dealing" a formal word?

It is considered neutral to formal and is frequently used in political and business journalism, particularly in publications like The New York Times and The Economist.