disloyalty: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal
Quick answer
What does “disloyalty” mean?
The quality or state of being unfaithful to someone or something, especially a person, group, or cause to which one owes allegiance.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The quality or state of being unfaithful to someone or something, especially a person, group, or cause to which one owes allegiance.
Any action or behaviour that constitutes a breach of trust, faith, or allegiance. Can refer to infidelity in relationships, treachery in politics, or betrayal in professional settings.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences. Slight variation in collocational frequency (e.g., 'treason' may be more common in US political discourse).
Connotations
Equally strong negative connotations in both variants.
Frequency
Similar frequency; slightly more common in written, formal contexts than in casual speech.
Grammar
How to Use “disloyalty” in a Sentence
disloyalty to [person/group/cause]disloyalty towards [person/group]disloyalty in [context, e.g., marriage, service]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “disloyalty” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- She would never disloyal her queen.
- To disloyal is a grave sin.
American English
- He did not disloyal his team.
- It is wrong to disloyal one's country.
adverb
British English
- He acted disloyalty towards his mentor.
- She spoke disloyalty about the firm.
American English
- They behaved disloyalty in the negotiations.
- He voted disloyalty to the party line.
adjective
British English
- He was disloyalty to his principles.
- A disloyalty act was committed.
American English
- She felt disloyalty for leaving.
- They suspected disloyalty behaviour.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Refers to employees sharing trade secrets, working for competitors, or undermining company goals.
Academic
Used in historical, political, or sociological analyses of allegiance, statehood, or social bonds.
Everyday
Most commonly refers to cheating in a romantic relationship or betraying a friend's confidence.
Technical
Not typically a technical term; used in its standard sense in legal contexts (e.g., breach of fiduciary duty).
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “disloyalty”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “disloyalty”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “disloyalty”
- Using as a countable noun without 'an act of' (e.g., 'He committed a disloyalty' is unnatural; use 'an act of disloyalty').
- Confusing spelling: 'disloyalty' not 'disloyality'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is a strong word implying a broken bond of trust. It can be used for serious matters (treason) or personal ones (cheating), but not for minor let-downs.
Typically uncountable. To refer to a specific instance, use 'an act of disloyalty' or 'a betrayal'.
'Disloyalty' is the abstract quality or state. 'Betrayal' is a concrete act that demonstrates disloyalty; it often feels more personal and dramatic.
No. The related verb is 'to betray'. 'Disloyal' is only an adjective.
The quality or state of being unfaithful to someone or something, especially a person, group, or cause to which one owes allegiance.
Disloyalty is usually formal in register.
Disloyalty: in British English it is pronounced /dɪsˈlɔɪəlti/, and in American English it is pronounced /dɪsˈlɔɪəlti/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A knife in the back”
- “To stab someone in the back”
- “To sell someone down the river”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'DIS' (not) + 'LOYALTY'. It's the opposite of being loyal. Picture a knight turning his back on his king.
Conceptual Metaphor
LOYALTY IS A BOND / DISLOYALTY IS A BROKEN BOND or A STAB IN THE BACK.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the LEAST suitable synonym for 'disloyalty' in a formal context?