less honest

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "less honest" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone or something that is not as truthful or sincere as another person or thing. Example: "In his dealings, he has become less honest over the years, often bending the truth to suit his needs."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Did it feel less honest?

The Guardian - Music

We're less honest about it.

The New York Times - Magazine

And it would be less honest.

The Guardian - Music

I need someone else, someone less honest to toss the coin.

Yale University

"For more sophisticated but less honest people, he needs to bribe them.

The New Yorker

And "students are less honest in filling in a survey today than historically".

The New York Times

They are more or less honest, but they tolerate those who are not honest".

The New Yorker

Of course, there are many mathematicians who are more or less honest.

The New Yorker

But this time he used a stunt favored by less honest writers.

The Washington Post

This effect suggests that such lawyers might be perceived as being a little less honest.

The New York Times - Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

"If they do, you can come to me and say he is a more-or-less honest guy because what he promised, he did," Mr. Geroski said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "less honest", consider the specific context to determine if a more precise synonym like "deceptive" or "disingenuous" might be more appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "less honest" when you mean completely dishonest. "Less honest" implies a partial lack of honesty, not a complete absence of it.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less honest" functions primarily as a comparative adjective phrase. It is used to describe a state of being where something or someone possesses a diminished degree of honesty compared to a reference point. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, its structure follows standard grammatical rules.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Science

4%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "less honest" is a common and grammatically correct way to express that someone or something is not entirely truthful. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and widespread use. It's essential to recognize that "less honest" implies a partial lack of honesty, not complete dishonesty, and to select synonyms like "more deceitful" or "not entirely truthful" based on the specific context. While it appears most frequently in news and media, its neutral register makes it suitable for diverse communicative scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

somewhat dishonest

Emphasizes a moderate departure from honesty, softening the judgment.

not entirely truthful

Highlights that the statement or action contains some level of untruth.

slightly deceptive

Highlights the act of misleading, albeit to a small extent.

more deceitful

Indicates a greater degree of active deception compared to simply being "less honest".

not completely forthright

Focuses on a lack of openness and directness in communication.

a bit disingenuous

Suggests a calculated lack of sincerity or frankness.

less than candid

Implies a holding back of information or a lack of complete transparency.

not quite aboveboard

Indicates that the actions or dealings are questionable or suspicious.

a little untrustworthy

Focuses on the lack of reliability and potential for betrayal.

not very principled

Highlights a lack of adherence to moral or ethical standards.

FAQs

How can I use "less honest" in a sentence?

You can use "less honest" to describe someone whose behavior or statements are not entirely truthful. For example: "He became "less honest" as he sought to protect his own interests."

What's the difference between "less honest" and "dishonest"?

"Less honest" suggests a partial departure from truthfulness, whereas "dishonest" implies a complete lack of honesty. "Less honest" is a milder term indicating a diminished degree of integrity. You can use alternatives like "somewhat dishonest" to convey the same meaning.

What are some synonyms for "less honest"?

Synonyms for "less honest" include "more deceitful", "not entirely truthful", or "a bit disingenuous". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it correct to say someone is "less honest" than someone else?

Yes, it's grammatically correct. It's used to compare the relative levels of honesty between individuals. For example: "In negotiations, he was "less honest" than his partner."