Other Ways to Say “Someone Who Doesn’t Keep Their Word”
The English language offers a rich tapestry of expressions to describe someone unreliable, someone who breaks promises, or simply someone who doesn’t keep their word. Understanding these alternatives goes beyond basic vocabulary; it’s about grasping the nuances of meaning and the subtle differences in connotation.
This knowledge is invaluable for precise communication, allowing you to convey your message with accuracy and impact. This article serves as a comprehensive guide for English language learners and native speakers alike, aiming to expand your linguistic toolkit and enhance your ability to express the concept of unreliability in diverse and compelling ways.
Whether you’re writing a novel, drafting a business email, or simply engaging in everyday conversation, mastering these expressions will undoubtedly enrich your communication skills.
This article will benefit English language learners looking to expand their vocabulary, writers seeking more vivid and nuanced descriptions, and anyone interested in understanding the subtle shades of meaning within the English language.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Definition: Someone Who Doesn’t Keep Their Word
- Structural Breakdown of Expressions
- Types and Categories of Expressions
- Examples
- Usage Rules
- Common Mistakes
- Practice Exercises
- Advanced Topics
- FAQ
- Conclusion
Definition: Someone Who Doesn’t Keep Their Word
At its core, “someone who doesn’t keep their word” refers to an individual who fails to fulfill promises, commitments, or agreements. This can range from minor instances, such as forgetting a small favor, to significant breaches of trust, like reneging on a contract.
The term encompasses a wide spectrum of behavior, all characterized by a lack of reliability and dependability.
Understanding this concept requires recognizing its various classifications. It can be viewed as a character trait (untrustworthiness), a behavioral pattern (promise-breaking), or a situational occurrence (failure to follow through).
The function of identifying such individuals is crucial for maintaining healthy relationships, making sound judgments, and protecting oneself from potential harm. In different contexts, the implications vary.
In personal relationships, it can lead to strained bonds and broken trust. In professional settings, it can damage reputations and jeopardize business deals.
Legally, it can result in contractual disputes and legal action.
Therefore, having a diverse vocabulary to describe this concept allows for more nuanced and accurate communication, reflecting the specific context and severity of the situation.
Structural Breakdown of Expressions
Expressions describing someone who doesn’t keep their word can be broken down into several structural categories, each with its own grammatical characteristics. These include adjectives, nouns, verbs, idioms, and phrases.
Understanding these structures allows for a deeper appreciation of how these expressions function within a sentence and how they can be used effectively.
Adjectives typically modify nouns, providing descriptive information about the person in question (e.g., “an unreliable friend”). Nouns can act as subjects or objects, referring directly to the person’s characteristic or role (e.g., “He’s a liar.”). Verbs describe the action of breaking a promise or betraying trust (e.g., “He reneged on the agreement”). Idioms are figurative expressions with a meaning that differs from the literal interpretation of the words (e.g., “He’s a backstabber“). Finally, phrases combine multiple words to convey a specific meaning, often offering a more nuanced description (e.g., “He’s not a man of his word“).
By analyzing the structural elements, we can gain a better understanding of how to use these expressions correctly and effectively in various contexts. For example, knowing that “untrustworthy” is an adjective allows us to use it to describe someone (e.g., “He’s an untrustworthy person”), whereas knowing that “renege” is a verb allows us to use it to describe an action (e.g., “He reneged on his promise”).
Types and Categories of Expressions
The different ways to describe someone who doesn’t keep their word can be categorized into adjectives, nouns, verbs, idioms, and phrases. Each category provides a unique perspective on the concept of unreliability and offers a distinct way of expressing this idea.
Adjectives
Adjectives are descriptive words that modify nouns. They provide qualities or characteristics of the person who doesn’t keep their word. Some common adjectives include unreliable, untrustworthy, deceitful, dishonest, and false.
Nouns
Nouns refer to the person who doesn’t keep their word or the characteristic that defines them. Examples include liar, cheat, deceiver, fraud, and welcher.
Verbs
Verbs describe the action of not keeping one’s word. These verbs can be used to describe the act of breaking a promise, betraying someone’s trust, or failing to fulfill an agreement. Examples include renege, betray, break (a promise), deceive, and default.
Idioms
Idioms are expressions whose meanings are not predictable from the literal meanings of the words. They often provide a colorful and figurative way to describe someone who doesn’t keep their word. Examples include two-faced, backstabber, snake in the grass, a wolf in sheep’s clothing, and not to be trusted with a dime.
Phrases
Phrases are groups of words that express a particular idea but do not form a complete sentence. They can be used to describe someone who doesn’t keep their word in a more nuanced or descriptive way. Examples include not a man/woman of their word, one who can’t be trusted, someone who goes back on their promises, a person of loose morals, and a fair-weather friend.
Examples
The following sections provide extensive examples of how these different types of expressions can be used in sentences. Each section includes a table with numerous examples to illustrate the usage and context of each expression.
Adjective Examples
Adjectives are a versatile way to describe someone who doesn’t keep their word. They can be used in a variety of contexts to convey the person’s unreliability or dishonesty.
The table below provides examples of sentences using adjectives to describe such individuals.
| Adjective | Example Sentence |
|---|---|
| Unreliable | He’s an unreliable employee; he’s always late and never meets deadlines. |
| Untrustworthy | I wouldn’t lend him money; he’s completely untrustworthy. |
| Deceitful | Her deceitful nature makes it difficult to trust anything she says. |
| Dishonest | The dishonest politician was caught accepting bribes. |
| False | He gave a false testimony in court. |
| Insincere | Her apology felt insincere; she didn’t seem genuinely sorry. |
| Treacherous | He was a treacherous ally, always looking for an opportunity to betray us. |
| Faithless | The faithless knight abandoned his post in battle. |
| Duplicitous | The duplicitous businessman had a hidden agenda in every deal. |
| Unfaithful | She discovered her husband was unfaithful after finding secret messages. |
| Shifty | His shifty eyes and nervous demeanor made everyone suspicious. |
| Two-faced | Everyone avoided her because of her two-faced behavior. |
| Unscrupulous | The unscrupulous lawyer would do anything to win a case. |
| Deceptive | His deceptive tactics fooled many investors. |
| Untrue | The rumors about him were untrue, but they still damaged his reputation. |
| Perfidious | The perfidious general betrayed his country to the enemy. |
| Crooked | The crooked politician was eventually brought to justice. |
| Bent | He ran a bent business, always cutting corners and breaking the law. |
| Corrupt | The corrupt official used his position for personal gain. |
| Fraudulent | The fraudulent scheme cost investors millions of dollars. |
| Roguish | His roguish charm couldn’t hide his underlying dishonesty. |
| Conniving | The conniving employee always found ways to take credit for others’ work. |
| Wily | The wily fox outsmarted the farmer every time. |
| Artful | He was an artful liar, able to convince anyone of anything. |
| Guileful | Her guileful nature made it difficult to trust her motives. |
Noun Examples
Nouns provide a direct way to refer to someone who doesn’t keep their word. They can be used to label the person or their characteristic behavior.
The table below provides examples of sentences using nouns in this context.
| Noun | Example Sentence |
|---|---|
| Liar | He’s a known liar; don’t believe anything he says. |
| Cheat | She’s a cheat; she always finds a way to win unfairly. |
| Deceiver | He’s a master deceiver; he can manipulate anyone. |
| Fraud | The company was exposed as a fraud, swindling investors out of their money. |
| Welcher | He’s a welcher; he never pays his debts. |
| Betrayer | He was seen as a betrayer after siding with the enemy. |
| Traitor | The traitor was executed for his crimes against the state. |
| Double-crosser | He’s a double-crosser; you can’t trust him to keep his promises. |
| Swindler | The swindler ran off with all the money. |
| Con artist | She was a con artist, preying on vulnerable people. |
| Imposter | He was revealed to be an imposter, falsely claiming to be a doctor. |
| Hypocrite | He’s a hypocrite, preaching one thing and doing another. |
| Backstabber | She’s a backstabber; she’ll talk behind your back. |
| Defector | The defector provided valuable intelligence to the other side. |
| Renegade | He was considered a renegade after abandoning his beliefs. |
| Deserter | The deserter fled the battlefield in fear. |
| Turncoat | He was branded a turncoat for switching sides during the war. |
| Perjurer | The perjurer was found guilty of lying under oath. |
| Falsifier | The falsifier altered documents to cover up the crime. |
| Mendacious person | He’s a mendacious person, always twisting the truth. |
| Prevaricator | The prevaricator avoided answering the question directly. |
| Deceptive individual | She’s a deceptive individual, skilled at masking her true intentions. |
| Unreliable source | The information came from an unreliable source, so it’s likely inaccurate. |
| Untrustworthy character | He’s an untrustworthy character; I wouldn’t confide in him. |
| Promise-breaker | He’s a promise-breaker; he never follows through on his commitments. |
Verb Examples
Verbs describe the actions of someone who doesn’t keep their word. They provide a dynamic way to express the act of breaking a promise or betraying trust.
The table below provides examples of sentences using verbs in this context.
| Verb | Example Sentence |
|---|---|
| Renege | He reneged on his promise to help me move. |
| Betray | She betrayed my trust by revealing my secret. |
| Break (a promise) | He broke his promise to quit smoking. |
| Deceive | He deceived his investors by falsifying financial records. |
| Default | The company defaulted on its loan payments. |
| Lie | He lied about his qualifications to get the job. |
| Mislead | She misled her clients about the risks of the investment. |
| Swindle | They swindled elderly people out of their life savings. |
| Defraud | He was arrested for attempting to defraud the insurance company. |
| Cheat | She cheated on the exam and was caught. |
| Double-cross | He double-crossed his partner and took all the profits. |
| Stab in the back | She stabbed me in the back by taking credit for my idea. |
| Go back on (a promise) | He went back on his promise to support the project. |
| Fail to deliver | The company failed to deliver on its promises to shareholders. |
| Fall through | Our plans fell through when he cancelled at the last minute. |
| Let down | He let me down by not showing up when I needed him. |
| Sell out | He sold out his principles for personal gain. |
| Abandon | He abandoned his family and fled the country. |
| Desert | The soldiers deserted their posts during the battle. |
| Recant | He recanted his testimony under pressure. |
| Repudiate | The government repudiated the treaty. |
| Disavow | He disavowed his earlier statements. |
| Withdraw | He withdrew his support for the candidate. |
| Retract | He was forced to retract his accusations. |
| Take back | He couldn’t take back his hurtful words. |
Idiom Examples
Idioms offer a colorful and figurative way to describe someone who doesn’t keep their word. They add a layer of expression that goes beyond the literal meaning of the words.
The table below provides examples of sentences using idioms in this context.
| Idiom | Example Sentence |
|---|---|
| Two-faced | He’s so two-faced; he says one thing to your face and another behind your back. |
| Backstabber | She’s a real backstabber; she’ll betray you in a heartbeat. |
| Snake in the grass | He’s a snake in the grass; be careful who you trust. |
| A wolf in sheep’s clothing | He’s a wolf in sheep’s clothing; he seems harmless, but he’s actually dangerous. |
| Not to be trusted with a dime | He’s not to be trusted with a dime; he’ll spend it all on himself. |
| A fair-weather friend | He’s just a fair-weather friend; he’s only around when things are good. |
| To have a forked tongue | He has a forked tongue; he’s always lying and deceiving people. |
| To play fast and loose with the truth | He plays fast and loose with the truth; he’s not very reliable. |
| To pull the rug out from under someone | He pulled the rug out from under me by cancelling the deal at the last minute. |
| To leave someone high and dry | He left me high and dry when he didn’t show up to help. |
| To stab someone in the back | She stabbed me in the back by taking credit for my work. |
| To sell someone down the river | He sold me down the river by revealing my secrets. |
| To throw someone under the bus | He threw me under the bus to protect himself. |
| To break faith with someone | He broke faith with me by betraying my trust. |
| To go back on one’s word | He went back on his word and refused to help. |
| To not be true to one’s word | He’s not true to his word; he never keeps his promises. |
| To be a broken reed | He’s a broken reed; you can’t rely on him for support. |
| To be a deadbeat | He’s a deadbeat; he never pays his debts. |
| To be a welcher | He’s a welcher; he always avoids paying up. |
| To be all talk and no action | He’s all talk and no action; he never follows through. |
| To be full of hot air | He’s full of hot air; don’t believe a word he says. |
| To be a smooth talker | He’s a smooth talker, but he’s not to be trusted. |
| To be a fast talker | He’s a fast talker, so be careful not to get swindled. |
| To be a shyster | He’s a shyster, always looking for a way to cheat someone. |
| To be a con man | He’s a con man, preying on vulnerable people. |
Phrase Examples
Phrases offer a more nuanced and descriptive way to express the idea of someone who doesn’t keep their word. They provide additional context and detail, allowing for a more precise communication.
The table below provides examples of sentences using phrases in this context.
| Phrase | Example Sentence |
|---|---|
| Not a man/woman of their word | He’s not a man of his word; he’s broken several promises to me. |
| One who can’t be trusted | She’s one who can’t be trusted; she’s always gossiping and spreading rumors. |
| Someone who goes back on their promises | He’s someone who goes back on his promises; I wouldn’t rely on him for anything important. |
| A person of loose morals | He’s a person of loose morals; he’s not very ethical or principled. |
| A fair-weather friend | He’s just a fair-weather friend; he’s only around when things are going well. |
| One who is not reliable | She’s one who is not reliable; she’s always late or forgets things. |
| Someone who can’t be depended on | He’s someone who can’t be depended on; he’s always letting people down. |
| A person who lacks integrity | She’s a person who lacks integrity; she’s willing to compromise her values for personal gain. |
| Someone who is not to be taken seriously | He’s someone who is not to be taken seriously because he never follows through. |
| A person who is known for their deceit | She’s a person who is known for her deceit, so be careful what you tell her. |
| Someone who is prone to exaggeration | He’s someone who is prone to exaggeration, so take his stories with a grain of salt. |
| A person who twists the truth | She’s a person who twists the truth to make herself look better. |
| Someone who is economical with the truth | He’s someone who is economical with the truth, meaning he often omits important details. |
| A person who is economical with the facts | She’s a person who is economical with the facts, so don’t trust her version of events. |
| Someone who has a reputation for dishonesty | He’s someone who has a reputation for dishonesty; avoid doing business with him. |
| A person who is known to be a cheat | She’s a person who is known to be a cheat, especially in games. |
| Someone who is not to be trusted with secrets | He’s someone who is not to be trusted with secrets; he’ll tell everyone. |
| A person who is likely to betray you | She’s a person who is likely to betray you, so be cautious. |
| Someone who is not good at keeping commitments | He’s someone who is not good at keeping commitments; he always cancels plans last minute. |
| A person who is not known for their loyalty | She’s a person who is not known for their loyalty; she’ll switch sides easily. |
| Someone who is quick to make promises but slow to keep them | He’s someone who is quick to make promises but slow to keep them, so don’t get your hopes up. |
| A person who talks the talk but doesn’t walk the walk | She’s a person who talks the talk but doesn’t walk the walk; she makes big claims but never delivers. |
| Someone who is all bark and no bite | He’s someone who is all bark and no bite; he makes threats but never follows through. |
| A person who promises the moon but delivers nothing | She’s a person who promises the moon but delivers nothing; don’t expect too much from her. |
| Someone who is good at making excuses | He’s someone who is good at making excuses for why he can’t keep his promises. |
Usage Rules
Understanding the usage rules for these expressions is crucial for effective communication. Each type of expression (adjective, noun, verb, idiom, phrase) has its own grammatical requirements and contextual nuances.
Adjectives must agree in number and gender with the nouns they modify. Nouns can function as subjects, objects, or complements in a sentence.
Verbs must be conjugated correctly to match the tense and subject. Idioms should be used appropriately to avoid miscommunication.
Phrases should be grammatically sound and contextually relevant.
For example, when using adjectives, ensure they correctly modify the noun. Instead of saying “He is unreliable promise,” say “He is an unreliable person” or “He made an unreliable promise.” When using verbs, pay attention to tense.
“He reneged on his promise yesterday” is correct, while “He renege on his promise” is incorrect. With idioms, be mindful of their figurative meaning.
Saying “He’s a snake in the grass” implies hidden treachery, not literal reptilian presence.
Context is also important. Formal settings may require more sophisticated and less colloquial expressions, such as “He failed to honor his commitment,” while informal settings allow for more colorful idioms like “He’s a backstabber.” Always consider your audience and the overall tone of your communication when choosing the appropriate expression.
Common Mistakes
Several common mistakes can occur when using expressions to describe someone who doesn’t keep their word. These mistakes often involve incorrect grammar, inappropriate word choice, or misunderstanding the nuances of meaning.
Recognizing and avoiding these errors is essential for clear and effective communication.
Incorrect: He is a unreliable person.
Correct: He is an unreliable person.
Explanation: The indefinite article “a” should be “an” before a word that begins with a vowel sound.
Incorrect: She renege on her promise.
Correct: She reneged on her promise.
Explanation: The verb “renege” must be conjugated correctly in the past tense.
Incorrect: He’s a snake on the grass.
Correct: He’s a snake in the grass.
Explanation: The idiom is “snake in the grass,” not “snake on the grass.”
Incorrect: She is not a word of her woman.
Correct: She is not a woman of her word.
Explanation: The correct phrase is “a woman of her word,” not “a word of her woman.”
Incorrect: He’s very deceited.
Correct: He’s very deceitful.
Explanation: “Deceitful” is the correct adjective form, not “deceited.”
Another common mistake is using overly formal language in informal settings or vice versa. Using a phrase like “He proved to be a perfidious individual” at a casual gathering would sound unnatural.
Similarly, using slang or overly casual language in a professional setting can be inappropriate.
Practice Exercises
The following exercises are designed to help you practice using the expressions discussed in this article. Each exercise focuses on a different aspect of the topic, from filling in the blanks to rewriting sentences and choosing the correct answer.
Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks
Fill in the blanks with the most appropriate word or phrase from the list below.
List: unreliable, liar, reneged, two-faced, not a man of his word
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| 1. He is a known __________, so don’t believe anything he says. | liar |
| 2. She __________ on her promise to help me with the project. | reneged |
| 3. He’s __________; he says one thing to your face and another behind your back. | two-faced |
| 4. He’s __________; he’s always late and never meets deadlines. | unreliable |
| 5. He’s __________; he’s broken several promises to me. | not a man of his word |
| 6. Because he is so _______, I would never ask him to babysit. | unreliable |
| 7. I found out he was a _______ when he told me he was at work but was actually at the bar. | liar |
| 8. She _______ on their deal at the last minute. | reneged |
| 9. He is so _______, it is difficult to know how he really feels. | two-faced |
| 10. I can never trust him because he is _______. | not a man of his word |
Exercise 2: Sentence Rewriting
Rewrite the following sentences using a different expression to convey the same meaning.
| Original Sentence | Rewritten Sentence |
|---|---|
| He’s an untrustworthy person. | He’s not to be trusted. |
| She betrayed my trust. | She stabbed me in the back. |
| He’s a cheat. | He always finds a way to win unfairly. |
| She’s a snake in the grass. | She’s not to be trusted. |
| He went back on his word. | He broke his promise. |
| He is a dishonest politician. |
He is not a man of his word. |
Exercise 3: Multiple Choice
Choose the best answer to complete the following sentences.
| Question | Options | Answer |
|---|---|---|
| 1. He is so __________, you can’t rely on him. | a) reliability b) unreliable c) reliably d) relies | b) unreliable |
| 2. She is a known __________, always deceiving people. | a) deceive b) deceiving c) deceiver d) deceitful | c) deceiver |
| 3. He __________ on the agreement at the last minute. | a) reneges b) reneging c) reneged d) renege | c) reneged |
| 4. She’s a __________, saying one thing to your face and another behind your back. | a) two face b) two-faces c) two-faced d) two facing | c) two-faced |
| 5. He is __________ his word; he never keeps his promises. | a) not a man of b) not a man on c) not the man of d) not man of | a) not a man of |
| 6. It is __________ to trust him with your secrets. | a) unadvisable b) advisable c) advising d) advise | a) unadvisable |
| 7. He is a __________, always trying to get things for free. | a) cheater b) cheated c) cheating d) cheat | d) cheat |
| 8. She is always __________ about her achievements. | a) lying b) lie c) lied d) lies | a) lying |
| 9. He is so __________, he is willing to do anything for money. | a) corrupt b) corrupted c) corrupting d) corruption | a) corrupt |
| 10. She is known to __________ on her promises. | a) go back b) going back c) went back d) gone back | a) go back |
Advanced Topics
Beyond the basic definitions and examples, there are more nuanced aspects to consider when discussing someone who doesn’t keep their word. These include regional variations in language and the distinction between formal and informal expressions.
Regional Variations
The English language varies significantly across different regions, and this includes the expressions used to describe someone who doesn’t keep their word. For example, in some parts of the United States, the term “welcher” is commonly used to describe someone who avoids paying debts, while this term may be less familiar in other regions.
Similarly, certain idioms and phrases may be more prevalent in British English than in American English, or vice versa.
Understanding these regional variations is important for effective communication, especially when interacting with people from different parts of the world. Being aware of these differences can help avoid misunderstandings and ensure that your message is received as intended.
Researching common phrases and idioms in different English-speaking regions can significantly enhance your ability to communicate effectively.
Formal vs. Informal Language
The choice of language can also depend on the context and the relationship between the speakers. In formal settings, such as business meetings or legal proceedings, it’s generally appropriate to use more sophisticated and less colloquial expressions.
For example, instead of saying “He’s a backstabber,” you might say “He engaged in duplicitous behavior.” In contrast, informal settings allow for more casual and colorful language.
The level of formality can also influence the choice of vocabulary. Adjectives like “untrustworthy” or “dishonest” may be suitable for both formal and informal contexts, while idioms like “snake in the grass” or “two-faced” are generally more appropriate for informal conversations.
Being mindful of the level of formality can help you communicate effectively and avoid sounding out of place.
FAQ
This section addresses frequently asked questions related to the topic of describing someone who doesn’t keep their word.
Q: What is the difference between “unreliable” and “untrustworthy”?
A: While both terms describe someone who cannot be depended on, “unreliable” generally refers to someone who doesn’t consistently meet expectations or fulfill obligations, often due to carelessness or forgetfulness. “Untrustworthy,” on the other hand, implies a lack of integrity and a tendency to deceive or betray.
Q: Is it appropriate to use idioms in formal writing?
A: Generally, idioms should be avoided in formal writing, as they can sound too casual or colloquial. However, there may be exceptions if the idiom is well-known and widely accepted in the context.
Q: How can I tell if someone is lying?
A: While there is no foolproof way to detect lies, some common signs include avoiding eye contact, fidgeting, changing the subject, and providing inconsistent or vague answers.
Q: What is the best way to confront someone who has broken a promise?
A: The best approach is to remain calm and avoid accusatory language. Express your feelings clearly and explain how their actions have affected you. Be open to hearing their perspective and finding a resolution.
Q: Are there legal consequences for breaking a promise?
A: In some cases, breaking a promise can have legal consequences, especially if the promise was part of a legally binding contract. However, most informal promises are not legally enforceable.
Q: How do I rebuild trust after it’s been broken?
A: Rebuilding trust takes time and effort. It requires consistent honesty, reliability, and transparency. Apologize sincerely, take responsibility for your actions, and demonstrate a genuine commitment to change.
Q: What are some alternative ways to say “He is lying”?
A: Some alternatives include: He is not telling the truth, He is being dishonest, He is fabricating information, He is prevaricating, He is being mendacious.
Q: Is it ever okay to break a promise?
A: There may be certain circumstances where breaking a promise is justifiable, such as if fulfilling the promise would cause harm to yourself or others. However, it’s important to communicate the reason for breaking the promise and apologize for any inconvenience or disappointment caused.
Conclusion
Mastering the art of describing someone who doesn’t keep their word involves understanding a variety of expressions, each with its own nuances and connotations. By exploring adjectives, nouns, verbs, idioms, and phrases, you can significantly enhance your ability to communicate effectively and accurately in different contexts.
Whether you’re writing a novel, drafting a business email, or simply engaging in everyday conversation, the knowledge gained from this article will undoubtedly enrich your communication skills.
Remember to consider the context, audience, and level of formality when choosing the appropriate expression. Be mindful of common mistakes and practice using these expressions in various scenarios.
By doing so, you can become a more confident and articulate communicator, capable of expressing the concept of unreliability with precision and impact.
