adjective
disloyal
dis-LOY-ul/dɪsˈlɔɪəl/
Not faithful to a person, group, or cause.
The disloyal husband removes his wedding ring while another woman kisses his cheek.
Etymology
The law-related ancestor of loyal came to mean law-abiding, honorable, and faithful. With the negative prefix, disloyal describes someone who fails to keep that faith or allegiance.
In context
points out the name Patriot Act as a master stroke of manipulation. >> How so? >> Because criticism of the state's actions, even surveillance and rights violations is automatically deemed disloyal or even treasonous
More examples
- He is disloyal to his friends and shares their secrets.
- Disagreeing with the coach does not make a player disloyal.
- The rebels accuse the officer of being disloyal to their cause.
Forms
disloyal
disloyalty noun — Lack of faithfulness to someone or something.
disloyally adverb — In a way that betrays loyalty.
Similar words
- unfaithful
- Often describes broken commitments, especially in a romantic relationship.
- treacherous
- Suggests deliberate, dangerous betrayal rather than simply lacking loyalty.