noun

imposter

im-POSS-tuh

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Imposter (noun) means a person who pretends to be someone else, or to have a position or qualification they do not have, in order to deceive people. Example: “The imposter had worked in the hospital for three months before anyone checked his papers.”

noun

A person who pretends to be someone else, or to have a position or qualification they do not have, in order to deceive people.

"The imposter had worked in the hospital for three months before anyone checked his papers."

"Guards were told to watch for imposters using stolen passes."

Imposter syndrome: the persistent feeling that your own success is undeserved and that you will be exposed as a fraud, despite clear evidence of your ability.

"Plenty of first-year doctors describe imposter syndrome."

"She had imposter syndrome for years before she believed the promotion was earned."

How to use imposter

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishSomeone pretending to be a person they are not.

When to use it

Neutral. In edited British publishing, impostor may still be corrected to the -or spelling.

Memory tip

An impersonator copies a specific person, often openly and for entertainment; an imposter is trying to deceive.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

impostor → impersonator → fraudster →

Common pairings

imposter syndrome expose an imposter feel like an imposter

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The _____ had worked in the hospital for three months before anyone checked his papers.

Etymology

From Latin impostor, a contraction of impositor 'one who imposes upon others', which reached English through French.

Origin: Latin

Synonyms

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impostor fraud fake charlatan pretender shammer faker pseudo pseud sham

Related words

real copy false cook fake bullshit corruption genuine

Rhymes for imposter

foster roster poster rooster booster Wooster

See all rhymes for imposter →

Frequently asked questions

Is it imposter or impostor?

Both are correct. Impostor with an 'o' is the older spelling and is still preferred by many dictionaries and style guides, but imposter is now very widely used, particularly in the phrase imposter syndrome.

What is imposter syndrome?

It describes the experience of doubting your own abilities and fearing that others will discover you are not as capable as they think, despite clear evidence of competence. It is a widely recognised pattern of feeling rather than a formal medical diagnosis.

What is the meaning of imposter?

"imposter" (noun) means a person who pretends to be someone else, or to have a position or qualification they do not have, in order to deceive people.

What is another word for imposter?

Other words for "imposter" include impostor, fraud, fake, charlatan, pretender, shammer.

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real copy false cook fake bullshit corruption genuine