What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
imposter
Example
The man was arrested for being an imposter doctor. [imposter: noun]
Example
She felt like an imposter at the fancy party, pretending to be someone she wasn't. [imposter: adjective]
impostor
Example
The impostor prince was eventually discovered and exposed. [impostor: noun]
Example
He was accused of being an impostor soldier, claiming to have served in the military when he had not. [impostor: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Imposter is slightly more common than impostor in both American and British English, but both words are used interchangeably.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between imposter and impostor?
Impostor is more formal and is often used in legal or official contexts, while imposter is more informal and commonly used in everyday language.
