What does swindling mean?
Swindling means cheating or deceiving someone in order to obtain money, property, or another benefit dishonestly. It is the present participle of swindle and is commonly used when an ongoing course of deception is being described: “The company was swindling investors.” Before a noun, it can function as an adjective, as in “a swindling operation,” meaning an organization or activity marked by fraud. The word carries a strongly negative connotation and ordinarily implies deliberate deception rather than a minor billing error or ordinary commercial disagreement. It is used in both British and American English and appears in reporting about financial crime, consumer protection, fraud, and dishonest business practices. Although swindling may describe the conduct of an individual, it can also characterize a wider scheme involving numerous victims. The word is especially useful when the focus is on the fraudulent taking of money or property through deception.
To cheat or deceive someone for personal gain, especially by taking money or property dishonestly.
"The broker was sentenced for swindling investors out of millions."
This is the present participle of swindle and may also function as a gerund.
Characterized by fraud, deception, or dishonest financial practices.
"Investigators uncovered evidence of a swindling scheme targeting elderly investors."
The attributive use before a noun is less frequent and has a strongly condemnatory tone.
The word’s German ancestor meant dizziness or vertigo before it became associated with fraud and deception.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does swindling come from?
Swindling ultimately derives from swindle, which entered English in the 18th century from the German Schwindel. German Schwindel originally referred to dizziness or vertigo and came to be associated with confused or deceptive dealings. The English meaning developed from these associations with fraud. Schwindel also underlies related German forms, including schwindelig, meaning dizzy.
Related word forms
How swindling is actually used
As a verb form, swindling normally functions as a present participle, as in “they are swindling customers.” The adjectival use before a noun is formal and occasionally sounds deliberately accusatory.