Meaning & Definition
adjective
Not reliable or deserving of trust.
Given his history of deceit, he was considered untrustworthy in all business dealings.
Failing to be honest or dependable.
Her untrustworthy behavior made it difficult for her friends to rely on her.
Lacking integrity or fairness.
The untrustworthy witness provided conflicting accounts of the event.
Capable of causing doubt or suspicion.
Many found the untrustworthy source of information hard to believe.
Etymology
The prefix 'un-' meaning 'not' combined with 'trustworthy', which comes from 'trust' and the suffix '-worthy', meaning 'worthy of trust'.
Common Phrases and Expressions
not to be trusted:
Used to describe someone or something that cannot be relied upon.
a shifty character:
Refers to someone who seems untrustworthy or deceitful.
a slippery slope:
In this context, it refers to a situation that becomes increasingly untrustworthy.
Slang Meanings
shady
That deal sounds shady; I would be careful.
sketchy
He's got a sketchy background, so I wouldn't trust him.
fly by night
That company is fly by night; they won't be around for long.