a poor reputation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a poor reputation" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing someone's or something's negative standing or perception in society or a specific context. Example: "Despite his talent, he struggled to find work due to his poor reputation in the industry."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The local police have a poor reputation.

The Economist

But utility firms have a poor reputation for openness.

The Economist

AFRICA has a poor reputation for scientific innovation.

The Economist

"We have a poor reputation nationally," Mr. Scott acknowledged.

The New York Times

Meanwhile, CFLs had begun to acquire a poor reputation.

The Economist

"Resistant or aggressive behaviour did not however inevitably result in a poor reputation," says the report.

Independent

It paints a picture of a community suffering from a poor reputation and low self-esteem.

The Guardian

Rechargeable lithium-ion batteries also have a poor reputation in China.

The New York Times

The nuclear industry also has a poor reputation for delivering its enormous projects on time.

The Guardian

Domestic sides are at last seeing their fanbase grow after years of having a poor reputation.

The Guardian - Sport

Not since Michael Foot in the early 1980s has a Labour leader had such a poor reputation in corner offices.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use this phrase to highlight systemic issues or long standing perception problems and not simply minor incidents or a single bad episode.

Common error

Avoid using "a poor reputation" when the situation involves minor issues or isolated incidents. The phrase implies a more widespread or deeply rooted problem. Instead, use more moderate language such as "a slight setback" or "a minor issue".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a poor reputation" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object or subject complement in a sentence. It describes the state of someone or something's public image or standing. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is commonly used in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Wiki

21%

Science

18%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a poor reputation" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a negative perception of someone or something. Ludwig's analysis of numerous examples confirms its widespread usage in various contexts, including News & Media, Science and Wiki. While "a bad reputation" is a close synonym, "a poor reputation" may imply a slightly less intense negativity. When using this phrase, ensure you provide supporting evidence and avoid overstating the severity of the situation. Always check the appropriateness to make sure it fits the situation's register. Remember, Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's validity and provides real-world examples for better understanding.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a damaged reputation

Highlights that the reputation has suffered harm or injury.

a bad name

A more informal and direct way of expressing a negative reputation.

a tarnished image

Focuses on the damaged or sullied aspect of the reputation.

a sullied reputation

Similar to "tarnished image", but emphasizes the staining or defiling of the reputation.

a stained reputation

Highlights the lasting impact of the damage. Uses a different adjective, "stained", instead of "poor".

an unfavorable public perception

Highlights the public's view, emphasizing the lack of favor.

a blemished record

Focuses on the record or history being marred or imperfect.

a negative standing

More formal and focuses on the position or rank in terms of perception.

an unenviable reputation

Emphasizes that the reputation is undesirable, something no one would want.

a disreputable character

Shifts the focus to the character or nature of the subject rather than the reputation itself.

FAQs

How can I use "a poor reputation" in a sentence?

You can use "a poor reputation" to describe a person, company, or thing that is generally viewed unfavorably. For example, "The company has "a poor reputation" for customer service".

What's the difference between "a poor reputation" and "a bad reputation"?

"A poor reputation" and "a bad reputation" are very similar and often interchangeable. However, "a bad reputation" might imply a stronger, more intensely negative perception, while "a poor reputation" can suggest a general lack of quality or respect.

What are some alternatives to saying someone has "a poor reputation"?

Alternatives include phrases like "a tarnished image", "a damaged reputation", or "an unfavorable public perception", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always negative to have "a poor reputation"?

Yes, having "a poor reputation" is always negative. It indicates that the subject is viewed unfavorably by others. The consequences can range from difficulty in securing opportunities to outright rejection.