Meaning of the word sham in English

What does sham mean in English? Explore the meaning, pronunciation, and specific usage of this word with Lingoland.

sham

US /ʃæm/
UK /ʃæm/

Noun

a thing that is not what it is purported to be; a counterfeit

Example:
The election was a complete sham.
Their marriage was a sham, arranged for convenience.

Adjective

bogus or false

Example:
He made a sham attempt to apologize.
The whole investigation was a sham operation.

Verb

to pretend to be or to have something

Example:
He shammed illness to avoid work.
Don't try to sham your way through the exam.
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