disingenuous
What does "disingenuous" mean?
Disingenuous describes a person or statement that is not candid or sincere, often involving a calculated attempt to appear innocent or unaware. The mental image is of someone wearing a mask of simplicity or ignorance to hide their true, often self-serving, motives or knowledge. It is a formal term typically used in professional, political, or critical contexts to call out someone who is being manipulative. It is stronger than just "dishonest" because it specifically highlights the performative nature of the deception, suggesting the person is pretending to be naive or fair when they are actually being sly.
"disingenuous" in a sentence
It was disingenuous of him to claim he forgot the meeting.
It was disingenuous of him to claim he forgot the meeting.
The candidate offered a disingenuous apology that failed to address the core issue.
The candidate offered a disingenuous apology that failed to address the core issue.
Her disingenuous display of humility masked a ruthless ambition to climb the corporate ladder.
Her disingenuous display of humility masked a ruthless ambition to climb the corporate ladder.
