Disingenuous   (pronounced dis-in-jen-yooh-us) adjective


Definition

1. lacking in candor or frankness; not straightforward; insincere; crafty or scheming. 2. pretending to be naive or simple; giving the false impression of being unaware of something.

Main Example

  • Don Carty, the chief executive of American Airlines, lost his job last month because of disingenuousness during negotiations with union leaders. While asking workers for huge pay cuts, which he described as necessary to avert bankruptcy, Carty failed to mention the large bonuses and pension protections recently approved for executives. Once the true picture became known, his credibility with the employees evaporated and he was forced to resign.

    Workplace Examples

  • The budget committee's explanation for not funding our project is a bit disingenuous. They claim they don't have the money, but I think the real reason is that some committee members perceive our project as a threat to their own departments.

  • I can appreciate my superiors not wanting me to leave, but for them to belittle this splendid opportunity I've been offered really makes me indignant. Saying things like "Oh, you have far better prospects here; you'll be making a big mistake if you quit" is sheer disingenuousness.

    Other Examples

  • your remarking: "It is disingenuous of her to now suggest that the government should police what's being sold on eBay when all along she has been complaining about there being too much government intervention in our lives."

  • job applicants giving disingenuous reasons for leaving former jobs from which they were actually fired; someone disingenuously opposing your plan by exaggerating its risks

  • soon-to-be-parents being hit by disingenuous ads that urge them to bank cord blood to possibly save their child's life in the future--according to NBC, the American Academy of Pediatrics and other notable medical authorities say there is no strong evidence to recommend this expensive step

  • until the shocking July '99 shooting spree in Atlanta when failed day trader Mark Barton killed 12 people including his wife and two children, day trading firms disingenuously promoting that extremely risky occupation, describing it as "a dream" and "appropriate for everyone from fresh college grads to retirees"

    © 2003 V.J. Singal

    This Month's Other Words

    Illusory
    Patrimony
    Acerbic
    Vexed
    Evince
    Quiescent
    Inure

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