Tarnished image

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Tarnished image" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a reputation or perception that has been damaged or negatively affected. Example: "The scandal left the politician with a tarnished image, making it difficult for him to regain public trust."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

And a slightly tarnished image won't matter.

The New York Times - Arts

UBS needs to move on and repair its tarnished image.

The New York Times

It added: "Nasheed must know that militancy and chaos do little to repair his tarnished image".

Independent

rehabilitate the tarnished image of the leotardlike onesies of the 1980s.

The New York Times

This lot is now being squelched.At what cost to Iran's already tarnished image abroad?

The Economist

Reopening their places of study also helps polish Myanmar's tarnished image.

The Economist

The Persian Gulf War in 1991 also helped restore Mr. McCain's tarnished image.

The New York Times

Another is the tarnished image of President Jacob Zuma after seven years in power.

The Guardian - Opinion

Such actions can only further damage an already severely tarnished image of America.

The New York Times - Magazine

He believes that MFI's tarnished image is a thing of the past.

The Guardian - Business

The incident has further damaged the already tarnished image of British football in Europe".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "tarnished image", consider the specific cause of the tarnishing to provide a clearer understanding of the situation. For example, specify whether the image was tarnished by scandal, poor performance, or ethical lapses.

Common error

Avoid using "tarnished image" with overly broad or vague subjects. Instead of saying "the company's tarnished image", specify which aspect of the company is suffering, such as "the company's tarnished brand image" or "the company's tarnished ethical image".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "tarnished image" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often acting as the object of a verb or the subject of a sentence. It describes a state of diminished reputation or compromised public perception. Ludwig AI validates its usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

90%

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

2%

Less common in

Science

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "tarnished image" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe a damaged reputation or public perception. Ludwig AI confirms its wide applicability, particularly in the context of news and media. While alternatives like "damaged reputation" or "sullied reputation" exist, "tarnished image" effectively conveys the idea of something once bright and appealing now being dulled or stained. When using this phrase, specificity is key: clarifying the cause of the tarnishing enhances the impact of the statement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Damaged reputation

Focuses specifically on the harm to one's reputation.

Sullied reputation

Emphasizes the staining or dirtying of the reputation.

Stained reputation

Highlights the lasting mark left on the reputation.

Compromised reputation

Suggests the reputation has been weakened or put at risk.

Discredited image

Focuses on the loss of credibility in one's image.

Tainted reputation

Indicates a corruption or contamination of the reputation.

Besmirched reputation

Implies that the reputation has been blackened or dishonored.

Blemished image

Suggests a flaw or imperfection in the overall image.

Ruined reputation

Emphasizes the complete destruction of one's standing.

Impaired image

Indicates that the image is weakened, damaged, or diminished.

FAQs

How can I use "tarnished image" in a sentence?

You can use "tarnished image" to describe a reputation or perception that has been damaged. For example: "The scandal left the politician with a "tarnished image", making it difficult for him to regain public trust."

What can I say instead of "tarnished image"?

You can use alternatives like "damaged reputation", "sullied reputation", or "compromised reputation" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct, "tarnished image" or "tarnished reputation"?

Both "tarnished image" and "tarnished reputation" are correct, but they have slightly different connotations. "Tarnished image" refers to the overall perception, while "tarnished reputation" refers specifically to one's standing or character.

What does it mean to rehabilitate a "tarnished image"?

To rehabilitate a "tarnished image" means to take actions to repair and improve a damaged reputation or perception. This can involve public relations efforts, policy changes, or demonstrating improved behavior.