underhanded

underhanded — adverb

1. in a way that keeps your real actions hidden because they are not fair or honest

1.adverbC1
Definition

in a way that keeps your real actions hidden because they are not fair or honest.

Example

The contractor acted underhandedly by using cheaper materials than the contract specified.

underhandedly + verb of action (acted, dealt, behaved)

Mira discovered that a rival firm had been dealing underhandedly with her biggest client.

Synonyms
  • sneakily

    less formal; focuses on avoiding detection rather than on dishonesty

  • deviously

    suggests clever planning behind the dishonest act

Antonyms

Usage Note

Usually appears as the derived form 'underhandedly.' This adverb is far less common than the adjective 'underhanded.'

Common Mistakes

He underhandedly won the game.
He won the game underhandedly.
The adverb normally follows the verb it modifies rather than preceding it, though fronting is occasionally seen in literary style.
She acted underhanded.
She acted underhandedly.
When modifying a verb, use the adverbial form with -ly, not the bare adjective.

underhanded — adjective

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: adjective/1

All five words describe behaviour that is not honest or fair, but they differ in register and emphasis. 'Underhanded' (the most formal of the group) stresses that the dishonesty is hidden — the wrongdoer keeps their actions secret while appearing innocent. 'Sneaky' is less formal and focuses on the act of avoiding notice: a sneaky person tiptoes around detection. 'Dishonest' is the broadest term — it covers any kind of untruthfulness, whether hidden or open. 'Shady' is informal and suggests behaviour that might be illegal or morally questionable even if not technically secret. 'Devious' adds the idea of clever, roundabout planning — a devious scheme requires careful manipulation. Example: 'It was underhanded to sign the contract without revealing the hidden fees; a sneaky competitor might hide the clause in tiny print; a dishonest employee would simply lie about it; a shady business would make the whole deal feel wrong; and a devious planner would craft the loophole months in advance.'

underhanded ↗sneaky ↗dishonest ↗shady ↗devious ↗

Etymology

Old EnglishMiddle EnglishEnglish

Formed by combining the Old English prefix 'under-' (meaning 'beneath' or 'below') with 'handed,' past participle of 'hand.' The literal sense — 'done with the hand placed below' — appeared in the 16th century and gave rise to the sports meaning (an underhanded throw). By the early 17th century the word had taken on a metaphorical colour: keeping one's hand out of sight while doing something came to suggest secrecy and deception, producing the dishonest sense that is now the most common use of the word. The American preference for 'underhanded' over British 'underhand' solidified in the 19th century.

First known use

1823

1823, in the meaning defined above Adjective