a blemish on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a blemish on" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe something that tarnishes or detracts from the overall quality or reputation of something else. Example: "The scandal was a blemish on the politician's otherwise stellar career."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Your supervisor? "A blemish on my career," is how one academic referred to their experience of supervising a student who developed mental health difficulties during their studies.

The Guardian

Another strange remark was that her two other young men guests were very good looking; one, aged 28, did not have a blemish on his body.

The New Yorker

If a camera detects a blemish on a chip, it sends a signal to one of the airhoses under the conveyor, and a jet of air blows the chip off onto the floor.

The New Yorker

It was a blemish on an otherwise worthy record – she claims to have had only one obstetric emergency in 35 years of delivering babies the natural way.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Having a gadget just to have one is stupid, and I'm sorry to say it's a blemish on Brooks' career.

TechCrunch

"It was a blemish on a good victory," Zambrano said.

The New York Times - Sports

A blemish on the Eisenhower record is his slowness on the great struggle over civil rights.

The New York Times

Selling without a profit might be something of a blemish on his record as a raider.

The Economist

This is a blemish on the book, but nowhere near spoils it.

The Guardian - Books

Golovkin, without so much as a blemish on his cherubic visage, continued to mete out punishment.

The Guardian - Sport

Straightening a nose and removing a blemish on a portrait would cost $45, he estimated.

The New York Times - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "a blemish on", ensure that the context clearly establishes what is being negatively affected. For example, "The accounting error was "a blemish on" the company's otherwise spotless financial record."

Common error

Avoid using "a blemish on" for minor or trivial issues. This phrase carries a significant negative weight and should be reserved for situations where there is a genuine detraction from an otherwise positive attribute or reputation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a blemish on" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subjective complement or object in a sentence. It describes something that mars or detracts from the overall quality or reputation of something else. Ludwig examples show how it's used to negatively qualify a record, career, or reputation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Science

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a blemish on" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe something that detracts from an otherwise positive quality or reputation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely used across various contexts, particularly in news and media, to express criticism or highlight a negative aspect. While versatile, it's important to use the phrase judiciously, reserving it for situations where there is a genuine and significant detraction. Alternatives like "a stain on" or "a blot on" can offer similar meanings with slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a stain on

This alternative emphasizes the damaging and lasting impact of the negative event or aspect.

a blot on

This phrase suggests a disfiguring mark or imperfection, similar to a stain but perhaps more visually striking.

a black mark on

This version adds a stronger negative connotation, indicating a serious fault or failing.

a flaw in

This option focuses on the imperfection or defect within something, rather than its overall impact.

a tarnish on

This suggests a loss of luster or shine, indicating that something has been diminished or sullied.

a dent in

This alternative implies a weakening or reduction in something's value or strength.

a discredit to

This phrase highlights the damage to someone's or something's reputation or credibility.

an imperfection in

This option is a more neutral way of describing a fault or defect, without necessarily emphasizing its negative impact.

a failing of

This alternative emphasizes a specific weakness or shortcoming.

a weakness in

This option points to a vulnerability or area where something is not as strong as it should be.

FAQs

How can I use "a blemish on" in a sentence?

Use "a blemish on" to describe something that detracts from an otherwise positive quality or reputation. For example: "The scandal was a "blemish on" the politician's otherwise stellar career."

What are some alternatives to "a blemish on"?

You can use alternatives like "a stain on", "a blot on", or "a black mark on", depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "a blemish on" in formal writing?

Yes, "a blemish on" is appropriate for formal writing. It is frequently used in news articles, academic papers, and business reports to describe a negative event or aspect that damages something's reputation.

What's the difference between "a blemish on" and "an imperfection in"?

"A blemish on" typically refers to something that negatively affects an overall reputation or quality, while "an imperfection in" simply points to a flaw or defect without necessarily emphasizing its damaging impact.