1. the quality of being dishonest, deceitful, or not straightforward in behavior or methods
2. the quality of being indirect, winding, or not following a straight path or course
Usage: less common than the behavioral sense

Examples

• The politician's deviousness was exposed when his secret dealings came to light.
• She suspected his deviousness when he kept changing his story.
• The deviousness of the con artist made him difficult to catch.
• His deviousness in avoiding the question annoyed the interviewer.
• The deviousness of the mountain path made the hike longer than expected.
• Her deviousness in handling the situation showed a lack of integrity.
• The company's deviousness in hiding the defects angered consumers.