a bad name

USAGE SUMMARY

'a bad name' is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It means someone's reputation or the way they are perceived by others. It can be used in various contexts, such as describing someone's negative reputation, the effect of a person's actions on their reputation, or the harm caused to someone's reputation. Example: "He earned himself a bad name in the community after he was caught stealing from his own company." In this sentence, 'a bad name' is used to describe the negative perception or reputation that the person has gained due to their actions of stealing. Another example: "The company's decision to cut corners and compromise on safety has given it a bad name in the industry." Here, 'a bad name' is used to describe the negative reputation that the company has gained due to their actions.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That's not a bad name.

The New York Times

"They gave us a bad name".

The New Yorker

But one forgives a bad name.

The New Yorker

They've given experience a bad name.

The New Yorker

Stuff that gives fashion a bad name.

Independent

Anxiety drugs had acquired a bad name.

The New Yorker

You're giving us a bad name.

The New York Times

It gives fiction a bad name".

The New York Times

They give the genre a bad name.

Independent

Footballers have a bad name.

The Guardian - Sport

Don't give your book a bad name.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a bad name" when you want to emphasize the negative impact on someone's reputation or public perception as a result of their actions or circumstances.

Common error

While "a bad name" is widely understood, it can sound informal in certain professional or academic settings. Opt for more sophisticated synonyms like "tarnished reputation" or "unfavorable image" in those contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a bad name" functions as a noun phrase. It typically acts as the object of a verb or preposition, indicating that someone or something has acquired a negative reputation or perception. Ludwig AI also confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Academia

15%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a bad name" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe a negative reputation or perception. According to Ludwig AI, it's widely accepted and used across different contexts. While frequently found in news and media sources, it also appears in academic writing, though more formal alternatives might be preferable in certain situations. When using the phrase, consider the specific nuance you want to convey and whether a synonym like "tarnished reputation" or "negative image" might be more appropriate. Remember to avoid overuse in formal contexts to maintain a professional tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a tarnished reputation

Focuses more directly on the damaged state of one's reputation.

a poor reputation

Emphasizes the low quality of someone's standing.

a negative image

Highlights the unfavorable perception held by others.

a sullied reputation

Indicates that a reputation has been dirtied or stained.

an unfavorable reputation

Replaces "bad" with a more formal adjective indicating disapproval.

a dubious reputation

Suggests a reputation that is questionable or unreliable.

a damaged reputation

Highlights the harm done to one's good standing.

a stained reputation

Suggests lasting damage to one's good standing.

an unsavory reputation

Implies that a reputation is distasteful or unpleasant.

a questionable reputation

Highlights the uncertainty or doubt surrounding a reputation.

FAQs

How can I use "a bad name" in a sentence?

You can use "a bad name" to describe someone or something that has a poor reputation due to negative actions or associations. For example, "The scandal gave the company "a bad name"."

What are some synonyms for "a bad name"?

Alternatives to "a bad name" include "tarnished reputation", "poor reputation", or "negative image". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say someone "got a bad name"?

Yes, it's perfectly acceptable to say someone "got "a bad name"". It means they developed a negative reputation.

What gives something "a bad name"?

Actions, scandals, or consistent negative behavior can give something "a bad name". It implies that the reputation is now damaged and associated with negativity.