What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
cheating
Example
He was caught cheating on the math test by looking at his neighbor's paper. [cheating: verb]
Example
Cheating is not tolerated in this school and can result in serious consequences. [cheating: noun]
dishonesty
Example
His dishonesty was revealed when he was caught lying about his whereabouts. [dishonesty: noun]
Example
She showed her dishonesty by taking credit for someone else's work. [dishonesty: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Dishonesty is more commonly used than cheating in everyday language. Dishonesty is a broader term that can be applied to a wide range of situations, while cheating is more specific and often used in academic or competitive contexts.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between cheating and dishonesty?
Both cheating and dishonesty are generally considered informal terms. However, dishonesty can be used in more formal contexts as it has a broader meaning and is applicable in various situations.