mistrustful

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "mistrustful" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who has a tendency to distrust others or is suspicious of their intentions. Example: "After the scandal, she became increasingly mistrustful of her colleagues, questioning their motives at every turn."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

An almost reclusive leader of few evident convictions, he is both mistrustful and, after two years in office, increasingly mistrusted.

The Economist

"The Farc need constant reassuring because they are very, very mistrustful," Shifter says.

The Guardian

Another environmentalist said he had been left "paranoid and mistrustful of people" after police made unannounced visits to his home, and followed him and his four-year-old daughter to a supermarket where they tried to thrust cash into his hands.

The Guardian

The Farc need constant reassurance because they are very, very mistrustful Michael Shifter Several US officials have suggested privately that diplomatic relations would not be affected if Colombia choses to desist from extraditing demobilized guerrillas.

The Guardian

A third campaigner, also an environmentalist, said he had been left "paranoid and mistrustful of people" after police tried to persuade him to spy on his colleagues.

The Guardian

And he was convinced that though the British public are a mistrustful lot, deep down they share that yearning for strong constitutional structures.His beliefs were reinforced by study of Walter Bagehot, a Victorian writer and editor of The Economist.

The Economist

But John Foster Dulles, the American secretary of state, thought the dam would place too much strain on the resources of newly independent Egypt.For their part, the British, mistrustful of Nasser and feeling the pinch, were also ready to withdraw their loan offer.

The Economist

The trouble is that he (the sole credible female candidate stands little chance) will take over a country that is deeply divided and mistrustful, with an anaemic economy and a woefully creaky bureaucracy.Confusingly, too, Egypt's next ruler will take on a post without a job description.

The Economist

Thanks to scaremongering by green lobbyists and organic farmers, and much media frenzy, most European shoppers will probably remain mistrustful.

The Economist

The Syrians are happy to trade food for smuggled cigarettes.The arrangement is grudging, mistrustful and guaranteed only by the American air force overhead.

The Economist

Historical misfortunes, he says, have left Poles mistrustful of their ability to run their own affairs.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone as "mistrustful", provide context to explain the reasons behind their lack of trust. This adds depth and credibility to your writing.

Common error

Avoid labeling characters as "mistrustful" without providing sufficient background or evidence. Ensure the context supports their disposition to maintain believability.

Linguistic Context

The word "mistrustful" functions primarily as an adjective. It modifies nouns to describe someone or something that is characterized by a lack of trust or a tendency to be suspicious. As Ludwig AI confirms, this usage is standard and correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Encyclopedias

18%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

4%

Wiki

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "mistrustful" is a versatile adjective used to describe a lack of trust or a state of suspicion. As Ludwig AI highlights, its usage is considered grammatically correct and it appears frequently in diverse contexts. Its most common usage is in News & Media. To write effectively, remember to use "mistrustful" when there is a justified reason behind someone's lack of trust, and consider synonyms like "suspicious", "distrustful", or "wary" to add nuance to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

suspicious

Indicates a belief that someone might be dishonest or dangerous.

distrustful

Implies a lack of confidence or trust in someone or something.

wary

Suggests caution and a lack of complete trust, often due to potential danger.

leery

Similar to wary, but can also imply feeling uncomfortable or uneasy.

untrusting

A general term for lacking trust in others.

skeptical

Suggests a doubt about the truth of something, often requiring proof.

doubtful

Expresses uncertainty or disbelief.

cynical

Implies a belief that people are generally selfish and dishonest.

apprehensive

Indicates anxiety or fear that something bad might happen.

guarded

Describes a cautious and reserved attitude, often to protect oneself.

FAQs

How can I use "mistrustful" in a sentence?

You can use "mistrustful" to describe someone who is suspicious or lacks trust, such as, "After being betrayed, she became "mistrustful" of everyone around her."

What's a good synonym for "mistrustful"?

Alternatives to "mistrustful" include "suspicious", "distrustful", and "wary". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

How does "mistrustful" differ from "skeptical"?

"Mistrustful" implies a lack of trust or suspicion, while "skeptical" suggests doubt and a need for evidence. Someone can be skeptical without necessarily being mistrustful.

Is it correct to say someone is "mistrustful of" something?

Yes, it's perfectly correct to use "mistrustful of" to indicate a lack of trust or suspicion towards a particular thing or person. For example, "He was "mistrustful of" their motives."