underhanded

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "underhanded" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe actions that are deceitful or dishonest, often in a sneaky or covert manner. Example: "His underhanded tactics in the negotiation left a bad taste in everyone's mouth."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"I served probably below average for me but he made it look and feel like I served underhanded out there at times.

Independent

We were shocked by how divisive and underhanded some Muslim clerics were.

Independent

He does seem to conclude that Leno, although he was portrayed as the villain of the piece by many of his fellow-comics, did nothing underhanded.

The New Yorker

He walked toward the edge of the roof and tossed the pigeon, underhanded, into the sky.

The New Yorker

Edmonds and Eidinow speculate vigorously, but they can't find any proof that the K.G.B., or anyone on Fischer's team, did anything underhanded.

The New Yorker

But a thing doesn't have to be underhanded to feel cold-blooded.

The New Yorker

They persisted in the belief that the fellow they were after was a shamefaced scapegrace whose tactics would be studiedly underhanded, and that he was bent on pulling the wool over their eyes.

The New Yorker

I put the envelope on the table and left quickly, as though I were doing something underhanded.

The New Yorker

How underhanded she had been, and with such animosity in her mousy being.

The New Yorker

Our forebears considered casting a "secret ballot" cowardly, underhanded, and despicable; as one South Carolinian put it, voting secretly would "destroy that noble generous openness that is characteristick of an Englishman".

The New Yorker

"It was underhanded, Serena.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "underhanded", ensure the context clearly indicates a deliberate attempt to deceive or gain an unfair advantage. The term carries a strong negative connotation and should be used judiciously.

Common error

Avoid using "underhanded" to describe situations that are merely unfortunate or accidental. The term implies intentional deception, not just bad luck or incompetence.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "underhanded" is as an adjective, modifying nouns to describe actions, tactics, or behaviors characterized by deceit or dishonesty. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it often implies a sly or surreptitious manner.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Science

2%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "underhanded" is an adjective used to describe actions characterized by deceit, dishonesty, or unfair tactics. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and commonly used, particularly in News & Media contexts. When using "underhanded", it's crucial to ensure the context reflects a deliberate attempt to deceive, distinguishing it from mere misfortune or incompetence. Related terms like "deceitful", "dishonest", and "sneaky" offer alternative ways to express similar concepts, each with slight variations in emphasis. Understanding these nuances allows for more precise and impactful communication. The term comes from credible sources like The New York Times and The New Yorker.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

deceitful

Focuses specifically on the act of deceiving or misleading.

dishonest

Emphasizes the lack of honesty and integrity.

sneaky

Suggests a cunning and secretive approach.

sly

Implies cleverness and a subtle way of being deceitful.

treacherous

Indicates betrayal and a hidden danger.

fraudulent

Specifically related to deceitful actions intended for financial or personal gain.

corrupt

Highlights immorality and dishonesty, often associated with abuse of power.

devious

Suggests indirect and often dishonest methods to achieve a goal.

surreptitious

Emphasizes the secretive and stealthy nature of the action.

clandestine

Focuses on secrecy and illegality.

FAQs

How can I use "underhanded" in a sentence?

Use "underhanded" to describe actions that are deliberately deceptive or dishonest, such as "The politician was accused of using "underhanded tactics" to win the election".

What can I say instead of "underhanded"?

You can use alternatives like "deceitful", "dishonest", or "sneaky" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "an underhanded compliment"?

Yes, "an underhanded compliment" is a valid phrase. It refers to a compliment that is actually a subtle insult or criticism.

What's the difference between "underhanded" and "unfair"?

"Underhanded" implies deliberate deception or dishonesty, whereas "unfair" simply means not equitable or just. An action can be unfair without being "underhanded", and vice versa.