untrustworthy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "untrustworthy" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone or something that cannot be relied upon or is not deserving of trust. Example: "After reviewing the evidence, I concluded that the source of the information was untrustworthy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Republicans made clear in a statement on Sunday that they intend to paint Clinton as untrustworthy and dogged by controversy.

The Guardian

Intonation, meaning the pattern of the pitch changes in a voice, is very important with male voices that are low pitched and follow a rising melodic trend being deemed particularly untrustworthy.

The Guardian

In order to make the argument for such a social contract persuasive, Hobbes portrays a dangerous world filled with unknown enemies perpetually striving to murder one's family and destroy one's property, a nation filled with untrustworthy neighbours, isolated individuals who live in fear of each other, and only the power of the state to protect society from the evils inherent in human nature.

The Guardian - Opinion

The Malaysian opposition leader, Anwar Ibrahim, has won a defamation suit against a government-linked newspaper publisher over an article that, he said, portrayed him as untrustworthy.

The Guardian

He thought "the emotion in the room was verging on sexual chemistry", adding: "The Daily Mail's recent efforts to portray Miliband as an untrustworthy shagger-in-chief appear to have backfired badly.

The Guardian

Appalled by this untrustworthy and – surely?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

On the stump she repeatedly accuses the Democratic frontrunner of being untrustworthy.

The Economist

Finally, individuals may be trustworthy, but can be compelled to act in untrustworthy ways by their employer, or by the norms of their sector.

The Economist

On the other hand, people from Cholla, in the south-west, are stuck with a reputation for being untrustworthy.

The Economist

Many migrants' families live in countries where the financial system is untrustworthy.

The Economist

Business-school students learn that managers cannot be trusted so when they become managers their behaviour is of the untrustworthy sort.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing individuals or institutions, provide specific examples or evidence to support the claim that they are "untrustworthy". This adds credibility to your statement and avoids making unsubstantiated accusations.

Common error

Avoid using "untrustworthy" as a blanket statement. Instead, specify in what area someone or something is unreliable. For example, say "untrustworthy with finances" rather than simply "untrustworthy".

Linguistic Context

The adjective "untrustworthy" primarily functions to describe a noun as not deserving of trust or unreliable. Ludwig AI confirms its usage in various contexts, emphasizing its role in evaluating the dependability and integrity of subjects.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

82%

Formal & Business

10%

Science

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The adjective "untrustworthy" is a commonly used descriptor for someone or something that is not deserving of trust or is unreliable. Ludwig AI affirms its correct usage across various contexts, especially in news and media. While grammatically sound, it is advisable to provide specific context when using this term to substantiate the claim. Alternatives such as "unreliable", "dishonest", and "deceptive" offer nuanced options depending on the intended meaning. Remember to use "untrustworthy" judiciously, ensuring clarity and support for your assessment.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unreliable

Focuses on the lack of dependability or consistency in performance or behavior.

dishonest

Emphasizes the lack of integrity and truthfulness.

deceptive

Highlights the intention to mislead or create a false impression.

dubious

Suggests uncertainty or skepticism about someone's character or motives.

unscrupulous

Emphasizes a lack of moral principles or ethical considerations.

questionable

Indicates that something is open to doubt or dispute.

shady

Implies a secretive or suspicious nature, often associated with illegal activities.

duplicitous

Highlights the act of concealing one's true intentions behind deception.

treacherous

Conveys a sense of betrayal or danger.

faithless

Describes a failure to adhere to commitments, promises, or allegiances.

FAQs

How can I use "untrustworthy" in a sentence?

You can use "untrustworthy" to describe someone or something that cannot be relied upon. For example, "The witness was deemed "untrustworthy" due to inconsistencies in their testimony.".

What are some alternatives to "untrustworthy"?

Alternatives include "unreliable", "dishonest", "deceptive", and "dubious". The best choice depends on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to describe someone as "untrustworthy"?

It's appropriate when there is sufficient evidence or a strong reason to believe that the person or entity is not reliable or honest. Avoid using it based on mere suspicion or without concrete support.

What's the difference between "untrustworthy" and "unreliable"?

"Untrustworthy" suggests a lack of integrity or honesty, while "unreliable" primarily refers to a lack of dependability. Someone can be "unreliable" due to incompetence, whereas an "untrustworthy" person is intentionally deceptive or dishonest.