noun
- the quality or state of being inclined to doubt or suspect the honesty, reliability, or good intentions of others
Usage: uncountable noun; formal register
Examples
- Her mistrustfulness of strangers made it difficult for her to form new friendships.
- The company's mistrustfulness of its competitors led to excessive secrecy.
- His mistrustfulness was rooted in past betrayals by people he had once trusted.
- The witness's mistrustfulness of the defendant's testimony was evident in her cross-examination.
- Growing mistrustfulness between the two nations threatened diplomatic relations.
- She approached the job offer with a healthy mistrustfulness, asking many questions before accepting.