Impostor

/ɪmˈpɔstər/

Meaning & Definition

noun
A person who pretends to be someone else in order to deceive others.
The impostor managed to infiltrate the organization by assuming a false identity.
A person who puts on a deceptive appearance.
In the game, players must identify the impostor among them before it's too late.
Someone who falsely claims to have certain abilities or qualities.
He was revealed as an impostor when he failed to demonstrate the skills he claimed to have.
A fraud or pretender.
She felt like an impostor when she was accepted into the prestigious program, thinking she didn't belong.
A person who engages in deceitful practices or behavior.
The impostor was caught trying to sell fake tickets to the concert.

Etymology

From Latin 'impostor', meaning 'one who imposes on others'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

social impostor:
A person who pretends to have social skills or connections.
impostor syndrome:
The psychological pattern where an individual doubts their accomplishments and has a persistent fear of being exposed as a fraud.

Related Words

Slang Meanings

Faux
He thought he was impressing everyone, but he was just a faux.
Wanna-be
She was such a wanna-be, pretending to be someone she was not.