Trust is the foundation of any relationship, whether personal or professional. When someone makes a promise, people expect them to follow through. However, not everyone keeps their word. Some individuals break commitments, fail to deliver, or simply say things they never intend to fulfill. This kind of behavior can be frustrating, leading to disappointment and lost confidence. Other Ways to Say “Someone Who Doesn’t Keep Their Word”.
Different words describe people who do not keep their word, each capturing specific nuances of untrustworthiness. Some terms highlight dishonesty, while others emphasize inconsistency or carelessness. Understanding these synonyms helps in identifying and communicating such traits clearly. Whether you need an alternative for formal writing, casual conversations, or creative storytelling, having a variety of words at your disposal makes expression more precise.
In this article, we explore synonyms for someone who doesn’t keep their word. Each term carries a distinct meaning, helping you choose the right word for different situations.
Deceiver
A deceiver is someone who deliberately misleads others. This term is often associated with dishonesty, where a person makes promises they never intend to keep. A deceiver may manipulate situations to their advantage, making people believe they are trustworthy while secretly planning to act otherwise.
People who deceive others can be found in all areas of life—business, friendships, and even family. They often tell lies or withhold the truth to maintain a certain image. This behavior damages relationships, as people eventually realize they cannot rely on a deceiver. Over time, this reputation follows them, making it harder for others to trust them.
Calling someone a deceiver highlights intentional dishonesty rather than forgetfulness or irresponsibility. This word is particularly useful when describing someone who continuously makes false promises, knowing they will not keep them. It signals a strong warning about a person’s reliability and integrity.
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Liar
A liar is someone who does not tell the truth. This word is one of the strongest terms to describe a person who does not keep their word. A liar may promise something and then knowingly fail to follow through, making excuses or denying their previous statements.
Lying can take many forms. Some liars fabricate entire stories, while others twist the truth slightly to suit their needs. Regardless of the severity, a liar creates an environment of mistrust. People who repeatedly lie often lose credibility, as others begin to doubt anything they say.
This term is effective when describing someone who consistently goes back on their promises. It conveys a clear message that the person cannot be relied upon. Whether in personal relationships or professional settings, being labeled a liar has serious consequences, as trust is difficult to rebuild once broken.
Fraud
A fraud is someone who pretends to be honest but is actually deceptive. This word is often used in legal or financial contexts, but it can also apply to personal situations. A fraudulent person may promise something they never intend to deliver, tricking others into believing they are reliable.
Fraudulent behavior often involves manipulation and hidden motives. People who engage in fraud use lies and half-truths to gain trust before breaking their word. This kind of dishonesty can cause serious harm, especially in business, where fraud leads to financial losses and damaged reputations.
Using the word “fraud” suggests a deeper level of deception than simple forgetfulness or irresponsibility. It implies intentional dishonesty for personal gain. If someone consistently fails to keep their word in a way that misleads or takes advantage of others, calling them a fraud accurately describes their behavior.
Betrayer
A betrayer is someone who breaks trust, especially in relationships or friendships. This term carries emotional weight, as betrayal often leads to feelings of deep hurt and disappointment. A betrayer may promise loyalty or support but then act against those commitments.
Betrayal takes different forms. A person may break a serious promise, share confidential information, or abandon someone when they are needed most. Regardless of the situation, betrayal damages relationships and makes it difficult to trust again.
Calling someone a betrayer emphasizes the emotional impact of their actions. It suggests that the person not only failed to keep their word but also hurt others in the process. This term is particularly useful when discussing broken trust in close relationships, whether between friends, partners, or colleagues.
Flake
A flake is someone who is unreliable and often fails to follow through with plans or promises. Unlike some of the harsher terms, “flake” is more casual and often used in social settings. However, it still conveys frustration over someone’s inability to commit.
Flaky people may not intend to deceive others, but their lack of responsibility makes them untrustworthy. They often cancel plans at the last minute, forget important commitments, or change their minds frequently. Over time, people stop relying on them because their promises mean little.
Using the word “flake” suggests that the person is careless rather than malicious. It is a useful term for describing someone who consistently fails to keep their word due to irresponsibility rather than deliberate dishonesty.
Cheat
A cheat is someone who breaks rules or agreements for their own benefit. This term is often associated with romantic relationships, where a person is unfaithful, but it also applies to business, friendships, and everyday situations.
Cheaters make promises they do not intend to keep, often misleading others to maintain an advantage. They may pretend to be honest while secretly acting against their commitments. Once discovered, a cheat’s reputation is damaged, making it difficult for others to trust them again.
Calling someone a cheat highlights their lack of integrity. It suggests that they not only fail to keep their word but also actively take advantage of others. This term carries strong negative connotations, making it a powerful way to describe someone who consistently deceives.
Hypocrite
A hypocrite is someone who says one thing but does another. They often claim to have strong values, but their actions contradict their words. For example, a person who promises to be honest but constantly lies is a hypocrite.
Hypocrisy damages trust because people expect consistency between words and actions. When someone repeatedly fails to live up to their promises, others begin to question their integrity. Hypocrites may not always intend to deceive, but their lack of follow-through makes them unreliable.
Calling someone a hypocrite emphasizes the contradiction in their behavior. This term is useful when describing individuals who make commitments but fail to honor them. It highlights the gap between their promises and their actual actions, showing that their words cannot be taken seriously.
Untrustworthy Person
An untrustworthy person is someone who cannot be relied upon. This term is broad and applies to anyone who frequently breaks promises, whether through dishonesty, irresponsibility, or carelessness.
Trust is earned through consistent actions. When someone repeatedly fails to keep their word, people stop believing them. An untrustworthy person might make excuses, forget commitments, or intentionally deceive others. Over time, their reputation suffers, making it difficult for others to rely on them.
Describing someone as untrustworthy makes it clear that their word holds little value. This term is particularly useful when discussing individuals who have repeatedly broken promises and shown no effort to change. It warns others to be cautious in their dealings with such a person.
Backstabber
A backstabber is someone who pretends to be trustworthy but secretly betrays others. Unlike open liars, backstabbers deceive behind the scenes, often acting friendly while planning to break their word.
This term is commonly used in friendships, workplaces, and politics. A backstabber may promise loyalty or support but later act against those commitments. Their actions often come as a shock to the people they betray.
Calling someone a backstabber highlights their two-faced nature. It suggests that they deliberately deceive others while maintaining a false image of trustworthiness. This word is especially powerful when describing individuals who go back on their word in a way that causes harm.
Double-Crosser
A double-crosser is someone who makes a promise or agreement but secretly acts against it. This term is often used in competitive or high-stakes situations where trust is essential.
Double-crossers may pretend to be allies while planning to betray others. They might promise loyalty, only to switch sides when it benefits them. This kind of behavior leads to deep mistrust and resentment.
Using the term “double-crosser” emphasizes calculated betrayal. It suggests that the person never intended to keep their word and was only pretending for personal gain. This term is useful in describing individuals who break promises in ways that feel particularly deceitful.
Charlatan
A charlatan is someone who falsely claims to have skills, knowledge, or reliability they do not possess. This term is often used for people who pretend to be experts or trustworthy figures but fail to deliver on their promises.
Charlatans thrive on deception. They make big claims but rarely follow through. Whether in business, relationships, or leadership, a charlatan’s broken promises eventually catch up with them. Once exposed, they lose credibility and struggle to regain trust.
Calling someone a charlatan emphasizes their dishonesty and false image. It suggests that their failure to keep their word is not accidental but part of a larger pattern of deception.
Fraudster
A fraudster is someone who engages in deception for personal gain. Unlike casual liars or forgetful people, fraudsters often break their word in calculated ways, especially in financial or business matters.
Fraudsters may promise investment returns, job security, or loyalty, only to disappear or change their story when confronted. Their actions can cause significant harm, whether through lost money, broken relationships, or legal trouble.
Using the word “fraudster” highlights serious dishonesty. It suggests that the person is not just unreliable but actively misleading others for selfish reasons. This term is particularly useful in legal, financial, and professional discussions.
Trickster
A trickster is someone who deceives others for fun, personal benefit, or out of habit. Unlike more serious terms like “fraudster” or “betrayer,” tricksters may not always intend harm but still break their word frequently.
Tricksters might make promises they never intend to keep, change stories to suit their needs, or manipulate situations to avoid responsibility. While they may appear charming or entertaining, their unpredictability makes them unreliable.
Calling someone a trickster highlights their playful but dishonest nature. This term is useful for describing individuals who are not necessarily malicious but still fail to keep their promises.
Con Artist
A con artist is someone who builds trust only to exploit it. They often break their word in a way that benefits them while harming others. This term is commonly associated with financial scams, but it can also apply to personal relationships.
Con artists use charm, persuasion, and false promises to gain trust. Once they achieve their goal, they disappear, leaving people feeling deceived and betrayed. Their actions can have serious consequences, from financial loss to emotional damage.
Using “con artist” emphasizes calculated dishonesty. It suggests that the person’s broken promises are not accidents but part of a deliberate strategy to manipulate others.
Impostor
An impostor is someone who pretends to be something they are not. This includes people who falsely present themselves as trustworthy, only to break their word when it suits them.
Impostors may claim to have skills, intentions, or values that they do not actually possess. They might promise loyalty, honesty, or support, only to reveal their true nature when tested. This kind of deception can cause deep disappointment and mistrust.
Calling someone an impostor highlights their false image. It suggests that their broken promises stem from a larger pattern of pretending to be something they are not.
Fabricator
A fabricator is someone who makes up lies or exaggerations, often leading others to believe false promises. Unlike simple liars, fabricators create detailed stories to support their deception.
Fabricators may claim they will fulfill a promise, only to later change their story. They often twist reality to fit their needs, making it hard to distinguish the truth from their lies. Their actions cause confusion and frustration among those who rely on them.
Using “fabricator” emphasizes the creative aspect of their dishonesty. It suggests that the person not only fails to keep their word but also constructs false narratives to justify it.
Phony
A phony is someone who pretends to be reliable but is actually fake. This term is often used for people who make promises they have no intention of keeping.
Phonies create an illusion of trustworthiness. They might say all the right things, but when it comes time to deliver, they disappear or change their story. Over time, their reputation crumbles as people realize their words mean nothing.
Calling someone a phony highlights their lack of authenticity. It suggests that their failure to keep their word is part of a larger pattern of pretense.
Sellout
A sellout is someone who betrays their values or commitments for personal gain. This term is often used in artistic, political, or ethical discussions but can apply to any situation where someone breaks their word for profit or popularity.
Sellouts may promise loyalty, honesty, or dedication, only to abandon those commitments when offered something better. Their actions disappoint those who trusted them, leading to a loss of respect.
Using “sellout” emphasizes the idea that the person traded their integrity for self-interest. It is a strong term that suggests a deliberate choice to break one’s word.
Two-Faced Person
A two-faced person is someone who acts differently in different situations, often saying one thing but doing another. They may appear trustworthy but change their behavior depending on who they are with.
Two-faced people break their word by telling different stories to different people. This makes them unreliable and difficult to trust. Their inconsistency creates confusion and frustration in relationships.
Calling someone two-faced emphasizes their duplicity. It suggests that they cannot be trusted because they change their commitments based on convenience.
Oath breaker
An oath breaker is someone who makes serious promises but fails to keep them. This term has a strong historical and ethical weight, often used to describe people who break vows, contracts, or sworn commitments.
Oath breakers may pretend to be honorable but ultimately fail to uphold their responsibilities. Their broken word damages trust, especially in situations where commitment is expected.
Using “oath breaker” highlights the seriousness of their broken promises. It suggests that they not only failed to keep their word but also violated a deep moral or ethical dut.
Conclusion
Keeping one’s word is essential for building trust and maintaining strong relationships. When someone repeatedly fails to follow through on their promises, they damage their credibility and disappoint those who rely on them. Different words describe such individuals, each capturing various aspects of untrustworthiness.
Some terms, like “liar” and “fraud,” emphasize intentional deception, while others, like “flake” and “betrayer,” highlight irresponsibility or broken trust. Understanding these synonyms allows for clearer communication and more precise descriptions of unreliable behavior.
By choosing the right word, you can accurately express frustration or caution about someone who does not keep their word. Whether in personal relationships, professional settings, or storytelling, using these terms effectively conveys the consequences of broken promises and dishonesty.
