hypocritical

[hip-uh-krit-i-kuhl]

adjective

1. of the nature of hypocrisy, or pretense of having virtues, beliefs, principles, etc., that one does not actually possess.

   The parent who has a “do what I say and not what I do” attitude can appear hypocritical to a child.

2. possessing the characteristics of hypocrisy.

   Isn't a politician hypocritical for talking about human dignity while voting against reasonable social programs?

Other Word Forms

• hypocritically adverb
• unhypocritical adjective
• unhypocritically adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of hypocritical¹

First recorded in 1515–25; equivalent to Greek hypokritik(ós) (from hypokritḗs “a stage actor” + -ikós -ic ( def. ) ) + -al ¹ ( def. ); hypocrite ( def. )

Example Sentences

"You cannot be hypocritical in these matters, you've got to be consistent."

From BBC

"It's hypocritical for anybody to criticise a player that honours the contract because the player's got a job to do, play football," said Andrew.

From BBC

The player power fallout: 'Despicable' stars or 'hypocritical' clubs?

From BBC

The party accused her of "hypocritical tax avoidance", while supporting higher taxes on second homes.

From BBC

Here, Lanthimos lampoons hypocritical executives and well-meaning radicals, surveying the damage that can be done by both parties when they intersect in his typically stylistic manner.

From Salon

Related Words

• deceptive 
• duplicitous 
• false 
• insincere 
• sanctimonious 
• self-righteous 
• unnatural