Search Dictionary
Definition of disingenuous

disingenuous

/ˌdɪsɪnˈdʒɛnjuəs/
dis · in · gen · u · ous
Adverb:disingenuously
JUMP TO:

disingenuous Lexical Profile

disingenuous Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Not candid or sincere, typically by pretending that one knows less about something than one really does.

Example

"It was disingenuous of the spokesperson to claim she had never seen the internal report before."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for disingenuous
Antonyms
View all antonyms for disingenuous

Word Nuance & Usage

Often confused with 'uningenious' (lacking cleverness); 'disingenuous' is the opposite of 'ingenuous' (innocent and candid) and specifically implies feigning ignorance or sincerity to mislead others.

• Rhymes for disingenuous

• Nearby Words

disinfector
disinform
disinformation
disingenuous
disingenuousness
disinherit
disinheritance

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed in the mid-17th century from the prefix 'dis-' and 'ingenuous', which derives from the Latin 'ingenuus' meaning 'native, freeborn, or noble, frank, and candid'.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Disingenuous. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/disingenuous
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.