less than honest

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "less than honest" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a person or situation when someone is not being completely truthful, or when someone is doing something dishonest. For example: "John's business dealings have been less than honest, so I'm not sure I can trust him to handle my finances."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

Agents are less than honest when selling their wares.

Independent

She added: "I would be less than honest if I said we weren't nervous about this.

The New York Times

If you're less than honest about your skills, you'll soon be found out at the interview".

The Guardian

In all the years he did so, he was never less than honest, candid and understanding.

The New York Times

"I'd be less than honest if I said I wasn't thrilled," he said.

The New York Times - Sports

Their conduct has been less than honest and nothing they propose is acceptable.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

We handed over our less-than-honest customs declarations for the polite, smiling officials.

Independent

At one point, he submitted a less-than-honest memoir to his publishers, in which he made himself smarter and more popular, with a higher grade point average.

The New York Times - Books

But the understandable desire to sustain themselves as a single entity has led at times to a less-than-honest politics, which is now unravelling fast.

The Guardian - Opinion

If you found out his address through less-than-honest means, he might be more creeped out than impressed.

WikiHow

Anytime you're considering parting someone with their money in what could be a less-than-honest way, it's a good idea to have back-up.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "less than honest" to describe actions or statements that aren't outright lies but lack full transparency or integrity. This is particularly useful when navigating sensitive situations where a blunt accusation of lying might be too harsh.

Common error

While "less than honest" is acceptable, it may lack the directness required in formal reports or legal documents. Consider using stronger terms like "misleading" or "deceptive" to ensure clarity and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less than honest" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun, describing the quality of something or someone's behavior. Examples from Ludwig show it used to characterize statements, actions, or even entire corporate practices.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "less than honest" is a common and useful way to describe situations where someone isn't being completely truthful, but avoids a direct accusation of lying. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and provides ample examples from diverse sources, including News & Media and Formal & Business contexts. While widely acceptable, remember that more direct language might be necessary in formal settings. Alternatives like "somewhat dishonest" or "not entirely truthful" can offer similar meanings with slightly different emphasis, allowing you to fine-tune your communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

somewhat dishonest

Indicates a degree of dishonesty, but might imply it's not as severe as "less than honest".

not entirely truthful

Emphasizes the lack of complete truth rather than direct dishonesty.

a bit deceptive

Highlights the act of misleading, potentially unintentionally.

evasive

Focuses on avoiding directness and clarity in communication.

not above board

Implies questionable ethics or practices, suggesting something is hidden or unfair.

shady

Suggests a suspicious or untrustworthy quality.

questionable integrity

Directly addresses the person's moral principles and uprightness.

dubious

Raises doubts about the honesty or reliability of someone or something.

withheld information

Specifically suggests information has been intentionally kept secret.

bent the truth

Suggests a slight distortion of facts, rather than a complete lie.

FAQs

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

You can use "less than honest" to describe a person's actions or statements. For instance, "His explanation of the events was "less than honest", raising suspicions among the investigators."

What are some alternatives to "less than honest"?

Alternatives include "somewhat dishonest", "not entirely truthful", or "a bit deceptive", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "less than honest" or "dishonest"?

"Dishonest" is a more direct term, while "less than honest" can soften the accusation. The choice depends on the context and the desired level of bluntness. Using "dishonest" could be more appropriate in formal context where you need to state that the subject is not being sincere.

What does "less than honest" imply about a person's character?

Saying someone is "less than honest" suggests they may be withholding information, exaggerating, or otherwise not being completely truthful. It implies a deficiency in their integrity, but not necessarily an outright lie.