Nepoctivé

Nepoctivé is a Czech adjective meaning not honest, dishonest, or unfair. It is used to describe persons, actions, or practices that lack honesty or integrity. The word is formed with the prefix ne- attached to poctivý (honest, fair). The related noun forms are nepoctivost (dishonesty) and poctivost (honesty).

Usage and nuance: Nepoctivé is commonly employed in everyday speech, journalism, and literature to critique conduct, such as business practices, procedures, or interpersonal behavior. Examples include nepoctivé jednání (dishonest conduct), nepoctivý obchodník (dishonest trader), or nepoctivé postupy ve veřejných zakázkách (unfair procedures in public procurement). The term carries a normative, evaluative tone, signaling a breach of ethical or social standards. Synonyms or closely related terms include podvodný (fraudulent), nečestný (dishonorable), and nemorální (immoral).

Grammatical notes: Nepoctivé behaves like a standard Czech adjective and agrees with the noun it modifies in gender and number (e.g., nepoctivý muž, nepoctivá žena, nepoctivé chování). The corresponding abstract noun is nepoctivost.

Context: While widely understood as a moral assessment, nepoctivé is not a legal term; it describes perceived dishonesty or unfairness rather than establishing a legal wrongdoing. In public discourse, it is often used to condemn practices that undermine trust, transparency, or fair dealing.