What does untruthful mean?
Untruthful is an adjective describing someone or something that fails to tell the truth. It is often used of a person’s character or conduct, as in “an untruthful witness,” and it can also characterize a statement, answer, or account as false or misleading. The word carries a moral implication: an untruthful report is not merely mistaken but deceptive. It is therefore stronger and more censorious than inaccurate and often less blunt than the word liar. Because the accusation can seriously affect a person’s reputation or standing, it should be supported by clear evidence. The adjective is common in British and American English, with no major regional difference. Its usefulness lies in identifying dishonesty rather than merely disputing the accuracy of a claim.
adjectiveNot telling the truth or presenting false information; dishonest.
- Not truthful or honest, especially inclined to make false statements or give misleading answers.
- Of a statement, answer, or account: false, misleading, or contrary to the truth.
"The witness gave an untruthful account of what had happened."
"Several employees complained that the manager had given an untruthful explanation."
"The advertisement was ruled untruthful because its claims had not been properly substantiated."
“Untruthful” does more than call a claim wrong—it accuses its source of dishonesty.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does untruthful come from?
Untruthful was formed in English by combining the negating prefix un- with truthful. Truthful is based on truth with the suffix -ful, while truth developed from Old English words associated with faith, trust, and belief. Its root is shared with Germanic words for faithfulness or trust, including German treu and Dutch trouw, and with the now archaic English word troth.
Related word forms
How untruthful is actually used
This word is standard in both formal and informal British and American English. It carries a serious moral implication and is best reserved for conduct involving deception rather than statements that are merely mistaken, uncertain, or outdated.
Easily confused with untruthful
“Untrue” focuses on the factual status of a claim, whereas “untruthful” focuses on the dishonesty of the person presenting it.