disingenuous

American  

[dis-in-jen-yoo-uhs] / ˌdɪs ɪnˈdʒɛn yu əs /

adjective

1. lacking in frankness, candor, or sincerity; falsely or hypocritically ingenuous; insincere.

   Her excuse was rather disingenuous.

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disingenuous British  

/ ˌdɪsɪnˈdʒɛnjʊəs /

adjective

1. not sincere; lacking candour

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Other Word Forms

• disingenuously adverb
• disingenuousness noun
• nondisingenuous adjective
• nondisingenuously adverb
• nondisingenuousness noun

Etymology

Origin of disingenuous

First recorded in 1645–55; dis- ¹ + ingenuous

Example Sentences

Former officials have told the BBC that it is "disingenuous" for the Cabinet Office to state that there had only been a single official complaint.

From BBC

That’s not to say that the movie doesn’t have plenty of fascinating industry insider details to grab onto, or that it’s at all disingenuous, only that it lacks focus.

From Salon

There is no escaping the fact they are one of the best payers in Europe, and it would be disingenuous to suggest finances weren't a big factor in the two new signings.

From BBC

“I had a scenario where an agent called the police on me. They are intentionally trying to frame the situation in ways that are completely disingenuous,” Arteaga recalled.

From Salon

Biffa claimed it was "disingenuous in the extreme" for Slater not to mention that in her letter.

From BBC

Related Words

• deceitful
• dishonest
• false
• unfair