What Is Another Way to Say “Bad Faith”?

Looking for synonyms for bad faith? We’ve got you covered!

Here’s a list of other ways to say bad faith.

  • Deceit
  • Duplicity
  • Dishonesty
  • Fraudulence
  • Insincerity
  • Deception
  • Treachery
  • Untrustworthiness
  • False pretenses
  • Malfeasance
  • Double-dealing
  • Underhandedness
  • Chicanery
  • Guile
  • Mendacity

Want to learn how to say bad faith professionally? Keep reading for examples and use cases.

1. Deceit

When to use: Suitable for situations involving intentional concealment or misrepresentation of the truth.
Example: “The contract was voided due to the deceit involved in its negotiation.”

2. Duplicity

When to use: Appropriate for cases where double-dealing, deception, or contradictory conduct is involved.
Example: “The company’s reputation suffered due to the executive’s duplicity in handling the crisis.”

3. Dishonesty

When to use: Ideal for general situations involving a lack of honesty or integrity.
Example: “The employee was dismissed for his dishonesty in financial reporting.”

4. Fraudulence

When to use: Used for actions that are deceitful, especially in legal or financial contexts.
Example: “The audit revealed the fraudulence of the company’s accounting practices.”

5. Insincerity

When to use: Suitable for instances where there is a lack of genuine feeling, seriousness, or honesty.
Example: “The apology issued by the company was criticized for its insincerity.”

6. Deception

When to use: Appropriate for describing the act of misleading or deceiving someone.
Example: “The product’s marketing was found guilty of deception regarding its benefits.”

7. Treachery

When to use: Ideal for severe betrayal or disloyalty, especially in contexts of trust.
Example: “The whistleblower exposed the treachery within the organization’s leadership.”

8. Untrustworthiness

When to use: Used to describe a person or situation that cannot be trusted or relied upon.
Example: “Due to his untrustworthiness, the committee decided to exclude the member from sensitive discussions.”

9. False Pretenses

When to use: Suitable for situations where misrepresentation is used to gain something unjustly.
Example: “The deal was conducted under false pretenses, leading to legal complications.”

10. Malfeasance

When to use: Appropriate in contexts involving misconduct or wrongdoing, especially by a public official.
Example: “The mayor was under investigation for malfeasance in office.”

11. Double-dealing

When to use: Ideal for situations involving deceitful or duplicitous behavior.
Example: “The partnership ended due to the supplier’s double-dealing.”

12. Underhandedness

When to use: Used to describe deceitful, sneaky, or unethical methods.
Example: “The competitor’s underhandedness in the bidding process was eventually exposed.”

13. Chicanery

When to use: Suitable for referring to trickery or subterfuge to achieve a political, financial, or legal purpose.
Example: “The lawyer was known for his chicanery in manipulating legal loopholes.”

14. Guile

When to use: Appropriate for cunning, clever deception to achieve a goal.
Example: “The negotiator used guile to outmaneuver the competition.”

15. Mendacity

When to use: Ideal for situations involving habitual lying or falsehood.
Example: “The investigation uncovered a culture of mendacity within the organization.”

Linda Brown