Other Ways to Say Someone Who Doesn’t Keep Their Word
The English language is rich with expressions for describing someone unreliable, particularly when they fail to honor their promises. Understanding these alternatives is crucial for nuanced communication, allowing you to convey the degree of disappointment, frustration, or even amusement associated with broken promises. This article explores various synonyms and idiomatic phrases, enhancing your vocabulary and improving your ability to express yourself accurately. This guide is designed for English language learners of all levels, from beginners to advanced speakers, as well as native speakers who wish to refine their expressive capabilities.
Mastering these phrases will not only enrich your vocabulary but also provide a deeper understanding of the cultural nuances associated with trust and reliability in English-speaking societies. Whether you’re writing a formal report, engaging in casual conversation, or crafting a fictional narrative, this knowledge will prove invaluable.
Table of Contents
- Definition and Explanation
- Structural Breakdown
- Types and Categories of Expressions
- Examples
- Usage Rules
- Common Mistakes
- Practice Exercises
- Advanced Topics
- FAQ
- Conclusion
Definition and Explanation
When someone “doesn’t keep their word,” it means they fail to fulfill a promise, agreement, or commitment they made. This can range from minor infractions, like forgetting to return a phone call, to significant breaches of trust, such as reneging on a contract. The expressions used to describe such individuals often carry varying degrees of severity and emotional weight.
The classification of these expressions falls into several categories: formal, informal, idiomatic, and figurative. Formal terms are suitable for professional or legal contexts, while informal terms are better suited for casual conversations with friends and family. Idiomatic expressions add color and personality to your language, and figurative language employs metaphors and similes to create vivid imagery.
The function of these expressions is not merely to label someone as unreliable but also to convey the speaker’s attitude and emotional response to the broken promise. The context in which these phrases are used is crucial in determining their appropriateness.
Structural Breakdown
The phrases used to describe someone who doesn’t keep their word can be categorized based on their grammatical structure. These structures include:
- Adjective + Noun: This structure uses an adjective to modify a noun, creating a descriptive phrase (e.g., unreliable person, untrustworthy individual).
- Verb + Adverb: This structure uses a verb modified by an adverb to describe the action of breaking a promise (e.g., consistently disappoints, frequently reneges).
- Prepositional Phrase: This structure uses a preposition followed by a noun phrase to indicate a lack of commitment (e.g., devoid of integrity, lacking in trustworthiness).
- Idiomatic Expressions: These are fixed expressions with a meaning that is different from the literal meaning of the individual words (e.g., breaks their promises, doesn’t follow through).
Understanding these structural elements allows you to analyze and appreciate the nuances of each expression, enabling you to use them more effectively and appropriately.
Types and Categories of Expressions
Here’s a breakdown of different types and categories of expressions used to describe someone who doesn’t keep their word:
1. Formal Terms
Formal terms are suitable for professional, legal, or academic settings. They often carry a more serious connotation and emphasize the breach of trust or obligation.
2. Informal Terms
Informal terms are appropriate for casual conversations with friends, family, or colleagues in relaxed settings. They may be more colloquial and less severe in tone.
3. Idiomatic Expressions
Idiomatic expressions are colorful and expressive phrases with a non-literal meaning. They add personality and flair to your language and can be particularly effective in conveying emotion.
4. Figurative Language
Figurative language uses metaphors, similes, and other literary devices to create vivid imagery and emphasize the unreliability of the person in question.
5. Terms Describing Intent
These terms focus on whether the person *intended* to break their word or if it was due to negligence or circumstance.
6. Terms Describing Frequency
These terms describe how *often* someone breaks their word.
Examples
This section provides extensive examples of different ways to say someone who doesn’t keep their word, categorized by type.
Table 1: Formal Terms
The following table gives examples of formal terms that describe someone who doesn’t keep their word. These are suitable for professional contexts.
| Term | Example Sentence |
|---|---|
| Breach of contract | The company was found in breach of contract for failing to deliver the agreed-upon services. |
| Default on an agreement | He defaulted on the agreement, leaving the other party with significant financial losses. |
| Fail to honor commitments | The politician has repeatedly failed to honor commitments made during his campaign. |
| Reneges on obligations | She reneges on her obligations, causing disruption and mistrust within the team. |
| Violates agreements | The tenant violates the agreements outlined in the lease by subletting the property without permission. |
| Contravenes stipulations | The developer contravenes the stipulations of the building permit by exceeding the height limit. |
| Fails to comply | The employee fails to comply with the company’s code of conduct, resulting in disciplinary action. |
| Disregards stipulations | The organization disregards stipulations set forth by the governing body, leading to sanctions. |
| Abrogates responsibility | The CEO abrogates responsibility for the financial mismanagement, blaming it on lower-level employees. |
| Fails to discharge duties | The trustee fails to discharge duties entrusted to him, jeopardizing the beneficiaries’ assets. |
| Subverts expectations | The new policy subverts expectations of fairness and transparency, causing widespread discontent. |
| Infringes upon terms | The website infringes upon terms of service by allowing unauthorized content to be uploaded. |
| Nullifies understanding | His actions nullifies the understanding that they had previously reached, reopening old conflicts. |
| Undermines assurances | The report undermines assurances given by the government regarding the safety of the project. |
| Compromises arrangements | The sudden change in strategy compromises arrangements made with key partners, putting the project at risk. |
| Falsifies pledges | The candidate falsifies pledges made during the debate, misleading the electorate about his true intentions. |
| Disavows commitments | The company disavows commitments it made to environmental sustainability, prioritizing short-term profits. |
| Repudiates obligations | The nation repudiates obligations under the international treaty, isolating itself from the global community. |
| Contradicts pronouncements | His behavior contradicts pronouncements he made earlier about his commitment to ethical conduct. |
| Subterfuges agreements | The politician subterfuges agreements through legal loopholes, undermining the spirit of the law. |
| Eschews adherence | The artist eschews adherence to traditional techniques, creating works that defy categorization. |
| Circumvents regulations | The business circumvents regulations by exploiting ambiguities in the legal framework. |
| Transgresses principles | The leader transgresses principles of democracy by suppressing dissent and consolidating power. |
| Abandons undertakings | The research team abandons undertakings due to lack of funding and unforeseen technical challenges. |
| Vacates promises | The government vacates promises of tax cuts due to the worsening economic situation. |
Table 2: Informal Terms
The following table gives examples of informal terms that describe someone who doesn’t keep their word. These are suitable for casual contexts.
| Term | Example Sentence |
|---|---|
| Doesn’t follow through | He always says he’ll help, but he never doesn’t follow through. |
| Breaks promises | She breaks promises so often that no one believes her anymore. |
| Can’t be trusted | He can’t be trusted to keep a secret. |
| Is unreliable | She’s is unreliable when it comes to deadlines. |
| Is not dependable | He is not dependable; don’t count on him. |
| Flakes out | He always flakes out at the last minute. |
| Bails on plans | She always bails on plans, which is really annoying. |
| Is a deadbeat | He’s such a deadbeat; he never pays his debts. |
| Lets you down | He always lets you down when you need him most. |
| Is full of hot air | He’s is full of hot air; don’t believe anything he says. |
| Talks the talk but doesn’t walk the walk | He always talks the talk but doesn’t walk the walk when it comes to helping out. |
| Is a fibber | She’s such a fibber; she can’t tell the truth to save her life. |
| Is a welcher | He’s a welcher; he never pays up after a bet. |
| Is a promise-breaker | She’s a promise-breaker; she never keeps her word. |
| Is a tease | He’s such a tease; he always promises things he can’t deliver. |
| Is a fair-weather friend | He’s a fair-weather friend; he’s only around when things are going well. |
| Is all talk | He’s all talk; he never takes action. |
| Is a windbag | He’s such a windbag; he goes on and on without doing anything. |
| Is a blabbermouth | She’s a blabbermouth; she can’t keep a secret. |
| Is a gossip | He’s such a gossip; he’s always spreading rumors. |
| Never keeps his word | He never keeps his word, so don’t bother asking him for anything. |
| Always makes excuses | He always makes excuses for not following through. |
| Is a master of empty promises | He’s a master of empty promises; he never delivers on anything. |
| Can’t be relied upon | She can’t be relied upon to do what she says she will. |
| Is a bit of a flake | He’s a bit of a flake, so don’t take his promises too seriously. |
Table 3: Idiomatic Expressions
The following table gives examples of idiomatic expressions that describe someone who doesn’t keep their word. These add color to your language and are often humorous.
| Term | Example Sentence |
|---|---|
| His word isn’t worth the paper it’s written on | Don’t trust him; his word isn’t worth the paper it’s written on. |
| He’s a man of straw | He’s a man of straw; he crumbles under pressure. |
| He’s as good as his word… which isn’t saying much | He said he’d be here, but he’s as good as his word… which isn’t saying much. |
| He’s all bark and no bite | He’s all bark and no bite; he threatens but never acts. |
| His promises are pie crust promises; easily made, easily broken | Don’t get your hopes up; his promises are pie crust promises; easily made, easily broken. |
| He’s got a forked tongue | Beware of his sweet words; he’s got a forked tongue and can’t be trusted. |
| He’s a slippery fish | Trying to pin him down is impossible; he’s a slippery fish who always evades responsibility. |
| He sings a different tune | Don’t rely on his initial agreement; he often sings a different tune when the time comes to deliver. |
| He’s a broken reed | If you’re looking for support, don’t turn to him; he’s a broken reed and will likely fail you. |
| He’s a castle made of sand | His promises are beautiful but ultimately unreliable; he’s a castle made of sand that will crumble in the tide. |
| He’s a fair-weather captain | He abandoned his ship at the first sign of trouble; he’s a fair-weather captain who only leads when things are easy. |
| He’s a wolf in sheep’s clothing | Don’t be fooled by his friendly demeanor; he’s a wolf in sheep’s clothing and will betray your trust. |
| He’s a promise written in water | His pledges are fleeting and unreliable; they’re like a promise written in water that quickly disappears. |
| He leads you up the garden path | He deceives you with false assurances; he leads you up the garden path with no intention of delivering on his word. |
| He pulls the rug out from under you | Just when you think you can rely on him, he pulls the rug out from under you, leaving you vulnerable. |
| He’s a paper tiger | He appears intimidating, but his threats are empty; he’s a paper tiger with no real power to back up his words. |
| He’s a house of cards | His plans are fragile and easily disrupted; he’s a house of cards that will collapse with the slightest breeze. |
| He’s a shot in the dark | Relying on him is a gamble; he’s a shot in the dark with no guarantee of success. |
| He’s a flash in the pan | His initial enthusiasm fades quickly; he’s a flash in the pan who doesn’t sustain his commitments. |
| He’s a leaky bucket | He can’t hold onto important information; he’s a leaky bucket who spills secrets and breaks confidences. |
| He’s a lame duck | His authority is weak and ineffective; he’s a lame duck who can’t enforce his promises. |
| He’s a broken record | He repeats the same empty promises over and over; he’s a broken record stuck on a loop of unfulfilled commitments. |
| He’s a hollow drum | He makes a lot of noise but lacks substance; he’s a hollow drum that produces empty sounds without real action. |
| He’s a will-o’-the-wisp | He leads you on with false hopes; he’s a will-o’-the-wisp, a deceptive light that lures you into disappointment. |
| He’s a snake in the grass | He hides his untrustworthiness; he’s a snake in the grass, waiting to betray you when you least expect it. |
Table 4: Terms Describing Intent
This table shows terms that focus on whether the person intended to break their word or if it was due to circumstances or negligence.
| Term | Example Sentence |
|---|---|
| Deliberately deceitful | He was deliberately deceitful when he promised to pay back the loan, knowing he couldn’t. |
| Intentionally misleading | She was intentionally misleading about her qualifications to get the job. |
| Negligent in his duties | He was negligent in his duties, which led to the project’s failure. |
| Reckless with promises | She was reckless with promises, not considering the consequences of her actions. |
| Unintentionally unreliable | He was unintentionally unreliable due to his poor organizational skills. |
| Inadvertently untrustworthy | She was inadvertently untrustworthy as she forgot about the appointment. |
| Purposefully deceptive | He was purposefully deceptive in order to gain an advantage. |
| Knowingly dishonest | She was knowingly dishonest about her past. |
| Unscrupulous in his dealings | He was unscrupulous in his dealings and took advantage of others. |
| Callously indifferent | She was callously indifferent to the impact of her broken promises. |
| Maliciously untruthful | He was maliciously untruthful in his accusations. |
| Casually disengaged | She was casually disengaged from her responsibilities. |
| Willfully neglectful | He was willfully neglectful of his duties. |
| Absentmindedly forgetful | She was absentmindedly forgetful and often missed appointments. |
| Unwittingly misleading | He was unwittingly misleading due to incomplete information. |
| Deliberately evasive | She was deliberately evasive when questioned about her actions. |
| Intentionally ambiguous | He was intentionally ambiguous in his statements. |
| Negligently indifferent | She was negligently indifferent to the consequences of her actions. |
| Recklessly irresponsible | He was recklessly irresponsible with his promises. |
| Unintentionally vague | She was unintentionally vague in her instructions. |
Table 5: Terms Describing Frequency
This table shows terms that describe how often someone breaks their word.
| Term | Example Sentence |
|---|---|
| Habitually unreliable | He is habitually unreliable, so don’t depend on him. |
| Consistently untrustworthy | She is consistently untrustworthy when it comes to deadlines. |
| Frequently breaks promises | He frequently breaks promises, which makes it hard to trust him. |
| Occasionally forgets commitments | She occasionally forgets commitments, but she usually makes up for it. |
| Rarely keeps his word | He rarely keeps his word, so don’t expect much from him. |
| Seldom adheres to agreements | The company seldom adheres to agreements, leading to legal disputes. |
| Invariably disappoints | He invariably disappoints, despite his best intentions. |
| Perpetually unreliable | She is perpetually unreliable, making her a difficult colleague to work with. |
| Sporadically undependable | He is sporadically undependable; sometimes he follows through, sometimes he doesn’t. |
| Infrequently trustworthy | She is infrequently trustworthy, so it’s always a gamble. |
| Routinely reneges | He routinely reneges on his deals, creating a reputation for dishonesty. |
| Chronically inconsistent | She is chronically inconsistent, making it difficult to plan around her. |
| Intermittently unreliable | He is intermittently unreliable, so you can’t always count on him. |
| Constantly breaks vows | She constantly breaks vows, eroding trust in her relationships. |
| Continually disappoints expectations | He continually disappoints expectations, despite numerous chances. |
| Regularly disregards commitments | She regularly disregards commitments, making it hard to rely on her. |
| Repeatedly shirks responsibility | He repeatedly shirks responsibility, leaving others to pick up the slack. |
| Unfailingly lets down | She unfailingly lets down those who depend on her. |
| Universally known for unreliability | He is universally known for unreliability, so no one trusts him. |
| Predictably undependable | She is predictably undependable; it’s almost expected at this point. |
Usage Rules
When using these expressions, consider the following rules:
- Context is key: Choose expressions that are appropriate for the situation and your audience.
- Tone matters: Be mindful of the emotional weight of the words you use. Some expressions are more accusatory than others.
- Clarity is essential: Ensure that your meaning is clear and unambiguous.
- Avoid generalizations: Be specific about the broken promise or unfulfilled commitment.
It’s important to be aware of the connotations and implications of each phrase to avoid miscommunication or offense. Overusing strong terms can damage relationships, while using overly mild terms might not convey the seriousness of the situation.
Common Mistakes
Here are some common mistakes to avoid when using these expressions:
| Incorrect | Correct | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| He is irresponsible. (General statement) | He is irresponsible because he didn’t pay the rent as promised. (Specific reason) | Provide specific reasons for the accusation. |
| She is a liar. (Too harsh without evidence) | She misrepresented her qualifications on her resume. (More factual and less accusatory) | Avoid overly harsh accusations without concrete evidence. |
| He didn’t keep his word, which is normal. (Contradictory) | He didn’t keep his word, which is disappointing. (Express appropriate emotion) | Ensure your statement aligns with the situation’s emotional context. |
| She is a broken promise. | She breaks promises. | “Broken promise” is a noun phrase describing the *thing* that was not kept. You need a verb to describe the *action* of not keeping a promise. |
| He’s a fair-weather friend, that’s normal. | He’s a fair-weather friend, which is disappointing. | Avoid normalizing untrustworthy behavior. |
Practice Exercises
Test your understanding of these expressions with the following exercises.
Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks
Complete the following sentences with the most appropriate expression from the list below.
List of Expressions: breaks promises, doesn’t follow through, can’t be trusted, is unreliable, flakes out
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| 1. He always says he’ll help, but he never __________. | doesn’t follow through |
| 2. She __________ so often that no one believes her anymore. | breaks promises |
| 3. He __________ to keep a secret. | can’t be trusted |
| 4. She’s __________ when it comes to deadlines. | is unreliable |
| 5. He always __________ at the last minute. | flakes out |
| 6. Don’t ask him for help, he always __________. | flakes out |
| 7. If you need something done properly, don’t ask her – she __________. | is unreliable |
| 8. He’s a nice guy, but he __________ to keep his word. | can’t be trusted |
| 9. Stop believing her; she always __________. | breaks promises |
| 10. I thought he would help me, but he __________. | doesn’t follow through |
Exercise 2: Matching
Match the expression with its meaning.
| Expression | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 1. His word isn’t worth the paper it’s written on | a. Someone who is unreliable and cannot be trusted |
| 2. He’s a man of straw | b. Someone who makes threats but never acts |
| 3. He’s all bark and no bite | c. Someone who crumbles under pressure |
| 4. He’s as good as his word… which isn’t saying much | d. His promises are worthless |
| 5. He’s got a forked tongue | e. Saying that person’s word is not reliable |
| 6. He’s a slippery fish | f. Someone who is evasive and hard to pin down |
| 7. He sings a different tune | g. Someone who changes their story or agreement |
| 8. He’s a broken reed | h. Someone who cannot provide support when needed |
| 9. He’s a fair-weather captain | i. Someone who only leads when things are easy and abandons ship when they get tough |
| 10. He’s a wolf in sheep’s clothing | j. Someone who hides bad intentions behind a friendly facade |
Answers: 1-d, 2-c, 3-b, 4-e, 5-a, 6-f, 7-g, 8-h, 9-i, 10-j
Exercise 3: Sentence Completion
Fill in the blank with a formal term that accurately reflects the situation described.
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| The company was found in __________ for failing to deliver the agreed-upon services. | breach of contract |
| He __________ the agreement, leaving the other party with significant financial losses. | defaulted on |
| The politician has repeatedly __________ made during his campaign. | failed to honor commitments |
| She __________ her obligations, causing disruption and mistrust within the team. | reneges on |
| The tenant __________ outlined in the lease by subletting the property without permission. | violates the agreements |
| The developer __________ of the building permit by exceeding the height limit. | contravenes the stipulations |
| The employee __________ with the company’s code of conduct, resulting in disciplinary action. | fails to comply |
| The organization __________ set forth by the governing body, leading to sanctions. | disregards stipulations |
| The CEO __________ for the financial mismanagement, blaming it on lower-level employees. | abrogates responsibility |
| The trustee __________ entrusted to him, jeopardizing the beneficiaries’ assets. | fails to discharge duties |
Advanced Topics
For advanced learners, consider exploring the following topics:
- The psychology of broken promises: Explore the psychological impact of broken promises on trust and relationships.
- Cultural differences in perceptions of reliability: Investigate how different cultures view and respond to broken promises.
- The legal implications of breach of contract: Study the legal consequences of failing to fulfill contractual obligations.
These advanced topics delve deeper into the social, psychological, and legal ramifications of unreliability, providing a more comprehensive understanding of the subject.
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions about describing someone who doesn’t keep their word:
- What is the difference between “unreliable” and “untrustworthy”?
Unreliable generally refers to someone who doesn’t consistently meet expectations or fulfill commitments, often due to negligence or lack of organization. Untrustworthy implies a lack of integrity and a propensity to deceive or betray trust. Someone unreliable might simply forget, while someone untrustworthy might intentionally mislead you. For example, your unreliable friend might be late to your birthday party, while an untrustworthy friend might steal from you.
- When should I use formal vs. informal terms?
Use formal terms in professional, legal, or academic settings where precision and seriousness are required. Informal terms are appropriate for casual conversations with friends, family, or colleagues in relaxed environments. The setting and your relationship with the person you’re speaking to should guide your choice. For example, you might use “breach of contract” in a legal document but say “he flaked out” to a friend.
- How can I express disappointment without being overly accusatory?
Use phrases that focus on the impact of the broken promise rather than directly accusing the person. For example, instead of saying “You’re a liar,” you could say “I’m disappointed that the information wasn’t accurate.” Frame your statement in a way that expresses your feelings without attacking the other person’s character.
- What are some polite ways to remind someone of a promise?
Start by gently inquiring about the status of the promise. You could say, “I was just wondering if you had a chance to [fulfill the promise].” If you need the promise fulfilled by a specific date, you can add, “I was hoping to have it by [date].” Be polite and understanding, acknowledging that they might have legitimate reasons for the delay.
- Is it ever okay to break a promise?
In some circumstances, breaking a promise might be necessary or even ethical. For example, if fulfilling a promise would cause harm to yourself or others, it may be justifiable to break it. Communication is key; explain the situation and the reasons behind your decision to the person to whom you made the promise.
- How can I rebuild trust after breaking a promise?
Rebuilding trust takes time and consistent effort. Start by acknowledging your mistake and apologizing sincerely. Take responsibility for your actions and demonstrate a genuine commitment to making amends. Be reliable and consistent in your future actions to show that you’ve learned from your mistake.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the English language offers a wide array of expressions to describe someone who doesn’t keep their word, each with its own nuance and connotation. By understanding these alternatives, you can communicate more effectively and accurately in various contexts. Whether you choose a formal, informal, idiomatic, or figurative expression, remember to consider your audience, the tone you wish to convey, and the specific circumstances of the broken promise. Mastering these phrases will not only enrich your vocabulary but also enhance your ability to navigate the complexities of trust and reliability in personal and professional relationships.
