gullibility
The tendency to be easily persuaded that something is true; a lack of skepticism.
[U] Uncountable
This word carries a strong connotation of intellectual vulnerability or naivety. It describes a state of openness that is typically viewed as a weakness rather than a virtue, often implying that the person lacks the critical thinking skills to detect a lie or a scam.
While sincerity is seen as positive, gullibility suggests a failure of judgment. It is frequently used in contexts involving fraud, pranks, or manipulation, where the subject's trust is exploited by someone more cynical or calculating.
Refers to the general quality of being easily fooled, such as when discussing a person's character or a psychological trait.
Meanings
Examples
Business
Related Words
naivetycredulityinnocencetrustfulnessskepticismcynicismdiscernmentastutenessshrewdnesswarinessgulliblenaivecreduloustrustdeceptionfraudscamhoaxtrickerymanipulationdupevictimconswindleconfidencesimplicityfoolishnessblindnessskepticdoubtcautionvigilancecriticalthinkingjudgmentperceptionwisdomexperiencesophisticationguilecunningrusestratagempretenseliefalsehoodmisleaddeludebamboozlehoodwinkcheatexploitvulnerabilitysusceptibilityimpressionablechildishnessingenuousnesscandortrustingbelieffaithassumption