Underhandedly

The adverb 'underhandedly' describes actions or behaviors performed in a secretive, dishonest, or deceptive manner. It implies a lack of transparency and often suggests manipulation or the intention to gain an unfair advantage. Actions done underhandedly are typically concealed, operating outside of established rules or open communication. The motivation behind underhanded actions can range from personal gain to causing harm, often involving duplicity and a disregard for ethical conduct. The term signifies a deliberate attempt to influence or control a situation in a way that is not readily apparent or acknowledged, fostering suspicion and mistrust.

Underhandedly meaning with examples

• The politician was accused of securing the contract underhandedly, using campaign donations to bribe officials and circumvent the normal bidding process. This led to a public outcry and investigations into potential corruption.
• She discovered her colleague was underhandedly spreading false rumors about her to undermine her chances for promotion. This caused significant professional damage and strained their working relationship.
• The company's sales tactics were criticized for being underhandedly manipulative, using deceptive advertising to mislead customers into buying products they didn't need or fully understand. This generated public complaints.
• He obtained classified information underhandedly by hacking into a secure server. This constituted a serious breach of national security and led to severe legal consequences.
• The sports team was found to have underhandedly used performance-enhancing drugs, gaining an unfair advantage over their competitors. Their victory was subsequently revoked.