What does unfaithfully mean?
Unfaithfully is an adverb meaning “in a disloyal manner” or “not accurately.” It is commonly used to describe conduct that betrays a person, principle, or obligation, as in a statement that a witness spoke unfaithfully. It can also describe the inaccurate handling of information, such as a text that was translated, copied, or interpreted unfaithfully. The word is especially useful when the issue is not merely a minor error but a meaningful departure from the original meaning, promise, or expected standard. It appears in both formal and everyday English, with a generally negative tone. In its second sense, it often implies that a source has been distorted rather than simply handled imperfectly. Unfaithfully is the adverb formed from “unfaithful,” and its use can consequently range from moral condemnation to careful criticism of accuracy and fidelity.
In a disloyal or betraying manner; not faithfully.
"The member continued to act unfaithfully despite promising to support the group."
This sense primarily concerns betrayal of trust, loyalty, or an obligation.
In an inaccurate or unfaithful manner, especially when copying, translating, or representing something.
"The stage adaptation renders the novel unfaithfully."
Common in criticism of translations, adaptations, retellings, reproductions, and summaries.
Unfaithfully can mean betraying a promise—or simply failing to reproduce a text with accuracy.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does unfaithfully come from?
Unfaithfully combines the prefix un-, meaning “not,” with faithful and the adverbial suffix -ly. The underlying word faithful comes through Old French from Latin fidelis, related to fidēs, meaning trust or faithfulness. The related noun fidelity and adjective fiduciary also reflect this Latin family of words. Modern senses developed from the central idea of keeping faith, extending from personal loyalty to faithful representation or reproduction.
Related word forms
How unfaithfully is actually used
Usually carries a negative or critical connotation. It is appropriate in formal and informal contexts for describing disloyalty or inaccurate representation, though it can sound more emphatic than “not faithfully” in some situations.
Easily confused with unfaithfully
“Unfaithful” is an adjective describing a person or thing that is not loyal or dependable, while “unfaithfully” is an adverb describing how an action is performed.