Inauthentic

Describing something not genuine, real, or true; lacking the characteristics of the claimed origin, nature, or character. It implies a lack of originality, sincerity, or conformity to established norms or standards of authenticity. An inauthentic thing may be a copy, imitation, or pretense, existing primarily for show or to deceive. Often used to describe behavior, emotions, art, or cultural experiences that appear contrived, superficial, or insincere. The judgment of 'inauthentic' can be subjective and depends on context, standards, and individual perception; however, it typically carries a negative connotation, suggesting a lack of integrity or a failure to connect with genuine feelings or experiences.

Inauthentic meaning with examples

• The museum's gift shop sold numerous 'authentic' Native American artifacts, but a closer look revealed their inauthentic nature – cheaply made replicas mass-produced overseas. The tourists, many of whom appreciated the true artistry, felt misled and disappointed by the lack of genuine craftsmanship and heritage of the items on sale.
• Her social media persona often seemed inauthentic; she constantly curated a perfect image, filtering out the struggles of her daily life. The curated posts of an idyllic, yet unrealistic, version of her life led to a sense of disconnect, and few were able to identify with her online character.
• The band's performance felt inauthentic, their stage presence and music resembling a forced imitation of other successful groups. The audience, composed of seasoned music enthusiasts, noted the lack of passion and originality in the performance, feeling that their music style was forced for financial gain.
• He found the politician's display of grief inauthentic, sensing it was a calculated move for political gain rather than genuine sorrow. His remarks about wanting to fix the issues were not genuine, and the public did not buy into his insincere rhetoric. Consequently, he was accused of being manipulative.