What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
underhandedness
Example
The politician's underhandedness was exposed when it was revealed that he had accepted bribes. [underhandedness: noun]
Example
She used underhandedness to win the game, cheating her opponents. [underhandedness: noun]
deceitfulness
Example
His deceitfulness was revealed when he was caught lying about his qualifications. [deceitfulness: noun]
Example
She showed her deceitfulness by pretending to be someone else online. [deceitfulness: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Deceitfulness is more commonly used than underhandedness in everyday language, as it is a more versatile term that can be used in a wider range of contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between underhandedness and deceitfulness?
Both underhandedness and deceitfulness have negative connotations and are generally considered informal terms. However, deceitfulness may be slightly more formal due to its wider usage and broader range of contexts.
