What does impostor mean?
An impostor is a person who falsely presents themselves as someone else, usually to obtain trust, access, money, authority, or some other advantage. The word often suggests deliberate deception, but it can also describe someone mistakenly believed to lack a legitimate place in a group. In professional and social contexts, “impostor” may be used figuratively of a person who appears to be one thing but is actually another. It is also central to the familiar expression “impostor syndrome,” which names the persistent feeling of being a fraud despite objective evidence of ability or achievement. Although the accusation can be seriously damaging, speakers sometimes use the word playfully about themselves in less formal settings. The spelling “imposter” is also widely accepted, particularly in British English, while “impostor” is generally preferred in American usage.
nounA person who falsely claims to be someone else, especially in order to deceive others or gain some advantage. The word can also refer generally to a person who is not the genuine or rightful member of a group, role, or identity.
- A person who pretends to be another person or to possess an identity, status, or qualification that they do not have.
- A person who is accepted into a group but does not genuinely belong to it, whether through deception or because the group itself has made an error.
"The imposter was removed after staff recognized that he had no legitimate reason to be there."
"Security guards stopped the impostor before he could enter the restricted building."
"Despite decades of success, she still experienced feelings of being an impostor among her more experienced colleagues."
The spelling “imposters” is also standard, especially in British English.
"Several impostors attempted to pass themselves as employees of the organization."
Impostor comes from a word for someone who imposes a tax or obligation: the modern deceiver “imposes” a false identity on other people.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does impostor come from?
The word entered English in the early 17th century from French imposteur, meaning “a person who imposes” or “deceiver.” The French word derives from Latin impostor, a noun formed from imponere, meaning “to lay upon” or “impose.” Latin imposter originally referred to a person who imposed a tax, payment, or other obligation. Over time, the sense developed toward deception and false identity.
Related word forms
How impostor is actually used
Usually disapproving or distrustful, though it can also be used humorously or self-deprecatingly. The expression “impostor syndrome” describes a persistent feeling of being unqualified or fraudulent despite evidence of competence; “impostor” is the more frequent spelling in this expression.
Easily confused with impostor
Both spellings are accepted in modern English, with “impostor” more common in American usage and “imposter” especially common in British usage.