blemished reputation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "blemished reputation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a reputation that has been damaged or tarnished in some way. Example: "After the scandal, the politician was left with a blemished reputation that took years to repair."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

"I think his blemished reputation comes from his impatience on the set, which I can't fault him on," Mr. Hoffman said.

The New York Times - Arts

By the end of 1993, Wahlberg was regarded as a washed-up pop-rap star and underwear model with a blemished reputation.

The Guardian - Film

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

The damage done by holding some 250 suspected terrorists without legal recourse has undermined our nation's values and blemished our reputation as the guardian of democracy.

The New York Times

Jack Johnson, the first black heavyweight champion, should be granted a presidential pardon for a racially motivated conviction 75 years ago that blemished his reputation and hurt his career, the House of Representatives recommended.

The New York Times

The involvement of some young asylum seekers in drug dealing finished blemishing the reputation of the whole group (Burri Sharani et al., 2010).

Comparative Migration Studies

Each high-profile incident blemished his once golden reputation, but Phelps has apologized for the DUI and has spoken about maturing and becoming more focused as an athlete.

The Guardian - Sport

JOHANNESBURG — After two weeks of only faint and infrequent condemnations of the anti-immigrant violence that has troubled South Africa, President Thabo Mbeki on Sunday described the wave of xenophobic attacks as an "absolute disgrace" that has blemished the country's reputation.

The New York Times

Pockets of the country could follow him, putting pressure on the central government's capacity to levy taxes and control territory, blemishing Kinshasa's reputation nationally and internationally.

BBC

When the huge wave – measuring up to 60ft high – hit, it destroyed large swaths of the Chilean coastline and blemished Bachelet's previously stellar reputation.

The Guardian

When the huge wave hit – measuring up to 60ft high – it destroyed large swaths of the Chilean coastline and blemished Bachelet's previously stellar reputation.

The Guardian

Nevertheless, Mr. Feinstein added: "His reputation has forever been blemished".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "blemished reputation", ensure the context clearly indicates the cause of the damage or stain. Provide specific details about the events or actions that led to the tarnishing of the reputation for greater impact.

Common error

Avoid using "blemished reputation" as a generic descriptor without specifying the nature or cause of the blemish. This can weaken the impact of your writing. Instead, provide clear and concise information about what specifically damaged the reputation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "blemished reputation" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "blemished" modifies the noun "reputation". It describes the state of having a damaged or tarnished reputation, as Ludwig AI indicates, which implies a negative alteration to one's standing.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "blemished reputation" is a grammatically sound and readily understood term used to describe a damaged or tarnished reputation. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is appropriate and clear in conveying a negative impact on one's standing. While its occurrence is relatively uncommon, the phrase is most frequently found in news and media contexts, highlighting its role in discussing public figures or entities facing reputational challenges. Alternative expressions like "tarnished image" or "damaged credibility" offer similar meanings, allowing for nuanced communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

tarnished image

Focuses on the visual aspect of the reputation being darkened or stained.

damaged credibility

Emphasizes the loss of believability and trustworthiness.

tainted legacy

Highlights the long-term negative impact on someone's historical record.

compromised integrity

Focuses on the ethical and moral aspects of the reputation.

sullied name

Uses a more archaic term to describe the act of staining or dirtying the reputation.

impaired standing

Highlights the reduction in status or position due to the damaged reputation.

discredited character

Emphasizes the loss of respect and trust in someone's personality and moral fiber.

flawed public image

Highlights the imperfections in how someone is perceived by the public.

smirched honor

Focuses on the loss of dignity and respect associated with the reputation.

besmirched record

Emphasizes the act of dirtying or staining the official history or account of someone's actions.

FAQs

What does it mean to have a "blemished reputation"?

Having a "blemished reputation" means that one's good name or public image has been damaged or tarnished, usually due to negative events, scandals, or poor behavior.

What are some synonyms for "blemished reputation"?

Some synonyms for "blemished reputation" include "tarnished image", "damaged credibility", or "tainted legacy", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

How can a "blemished reputation" be repaired?

Repairing a "blemished reputation" typically involves acknowledging the issue, taking responsibility for any wrongdoing, making amends, and consistently demonstrating positive behavior over time. It's not an easy task but it's not impossible either.

Is a "blemished reputation" always permanent?

While a "blemished reputation" can have long-lasting effects, it is not always permanent. With sustained effort, transparency, and positive actions, it's possible to rebuild trust and improve one's reputation.