hypocritical

American  

[hip-uh-krit-i-kuhl] / ˌhɪp əˈkrɪt ɪ kəl /

adjective

1. of the nature of hypocrisy, or pretense of having virtues, beliefs, principles, etc., that one does not actually possess.

   The parent who has a “do what I say and not what I do” attitude can appear hypocritical to a child.

2. possessing the characteristics of hypocrisy.

   Isn't a politician hypocritical for talking about human dignity while voting against reasonable social programs?

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Other Word Forms

• hypocritically adverb
• unhypocritical adjective
• unhypocritically adverb

Etymology

Origin of hypocritical

First recorded in 1515–25; equivalent to Greek hypokritik(ós) (from hypokritḗs “a stage actor” + -ikós -ic ( def. ) ) + -al ¹ ( def. ); hypocrite ( def. )

Example Sentences

"Looks like a nerve was well and truly hit," said one person, while another called his post "hypocritical".

From BBC

Mom and dad are opting to scroll in secret lest they be accused of being hypocritical for telling their children to get off their screens.

From The Wall Street Journal

He called his former party "incredibly hypocritical" for removing seven other councillors from its ranks in recent months.

From BBC

Why you should let it fade: While the film’s premise is novel and the franchise is known for its big swings, the very existence of “Toy Story 5” feels too hypocritical.

From Salon

Backing away from causes such as LGBTQ+ rights doesn’t necessarily mean those corporations were once progressive and are now hypocritical.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• deceptive
• duplicitous
• false
• insincere
• sanctimonious
• self-righteous
• unnatural