disloyalty

[dis-loi-uhl-tee]

noun

plural

disloyalties 

1. the quality of being disloyal; lack of loyalty; unfaithfulness.

   Synonyms: subversion

2. violation of allegiance or duty, as to a government.

3. a disloyal act.

disloyalty

/ dɪsˈlɔɪəltɪ /

noun

1. the condition or an instance of being unfaithful or disloyal

Word History and Origins

Origin of disloyalty¹

1400–50; late Middle English < Middle French desloiaute, Old French desleaute, equivalent to desleal disloyal + -te -ty ²

Synonym Study

Disloyalty, perfidy, treachery, treason imply betrayal of trust. Disloyalty applies to any violation of loyalty, whether to a person, a cause, or one's country, and whether in thought or in deeds: to suspect disloyalty in a friend. Perfidy implies deliberate breaking of faith or of one's pledges and promises, on which others are relying: It is an act of perfidy to cheat innocent people. Treachery implies being secretly traitorous but seeming friendly and loyal: In treachery deceit is added to disloyalty. Treason is performing overt acts to help the enemies of one's country or government: Acting to aid a hostile power is treason.

Example Sentences

Viewers may be surprised to learn just how daring and successful a Patriot military leader Arnold was before his decision to switch sides made his name synonymous with disloyalty.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

So he wants to define criticism as disloyalty.

Read more on Salon

"He would see it as naked ambition, perhaps as poisonous disloyalty, even if my only message was: Don't let the other guy win."

Read more on BBC

Notably, it also takes aim at artist Travis Scott over his alleged disloyalty.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

I saw that his extravagant gifts were an attempt to compensate for his disloyalty.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• breach of trust 
• infidelity 
• sedition 
• treachery 
• treason