Definition: Disingenuous

dis·in·gen·u·ous (dĭs’ĭn-jĕnyū-əs)
adj.

  1. Not straightforward or candid; insincere or calculating: “an ambitious, disingenuous, philistine, and hypocritical operator, who … exemplified … the most disagreeable traits of his time” (David Cannadine).
  2. Pretending to be unaware or unsophisticated; faux-naif.
  3. Mike Krzyzewski: “I never look at talking to the referee as “working the ref.” I think that’s one of the worst phrases that could ever be made. I don’t think that’s what happens. What you’re trying to do is find out why something has been done or explain your situation. It’s not a matter of “working,” it’s a matter of explanation.” source
  4. Usage Problem. Unaware or uninformed; naive.

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