damage a reputation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "damage a reputation" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when discussing actions or events that negatively affect someone's or an organization's public image. For example, "The scandal could damage a reputation that took years to build." Alternative expressions include "harm a reputation" and "undermine a reputation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Two sentences in the middle of a Times article on such a sensitive subject – though they may be off the central point – have the power to sway the discussion or damage a reputation.

The New York Times

"Some pitfalls that come with online socializing are sharing too much information, or posting pictures, videos, or words that can damage a reputation or hurt someone's feelings".

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Sands quit Standard Chartered last year after rising bad debts caused profits to tumble, damaging a reputation built up when the emerging markets bank came through the financial crisis relatively unscathed.

The Guardian - Business

This alone opens up a discussion about high-jacking a message, misleading a passerby, or even damaging a reputation.

Huffington Post

In libel cases, untruthful damage to a reputation can be restored by an apology and damages; but once embarrassing private information has been disclosed, it stays public, no matter how the leaker is punished.

The Economist

Robert De Niro does further damage to a reputation much battered by The Big Wedding.

The Guardian - Film

Such losses could also damage a firm's reputation.

The New York Times

Political investments can damage a company's reputation, or anger supporters of the "other side".

The New York Times

It should not damage a prosecutor's reputation to correct an injustice.

The New York Times

This is the cyberspace equivalent of genetic engineering, and can seriously damage a site's reputation.

The Guardian - Tech

The pragmatic resolution of frivolous lawsuits can therefore damage a director's reputation.

Harvard Business Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Specify the degree of damage using adverbs like "severely", "irreparably" or "significantly" to provide better context.

Common error

Do not use "damage a reputation" when the context implies that the reputation has been completely destroyed. In cases of total loss of public trust, use more definitive terms like "ruin a reputation" or "destroy a reputation".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "damage a reputation" functions as a transitive verb phrase. In linguistic data provided by Ludwig, it frequently appears as the predicate of a sentence or the object of modal verbs like "can" or "could", highlighting potential risks or consequences.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Wiki

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "damage a reputation" is a cornerstone of English writing when discussing the fallout of negative events. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely accepted across all major professional domains. It serves as a versatile tool for both journalists and business writers to describe the fragility of public standing. While it is direct and effective, writers can opt for more nuanced alternatives like tarnish a reputation or "besmirch a reputation" depending on the desired metaphorical weight. Overall, the phrase is a reliable choice for high-stakes professional communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

tarnish a reputation

implies a loss of luster or shine, often used for once-pristine records

harm a reputation

provides a more general sense of injury or negative impact

sully a reputation

uses a stronger metaphor of making something dirty or soiled

undermine a reputation

suggests a gradual weakening of the foundation or credibility

besmirch a reputation

carries a more literary or dramatic tone of attacking honor

ruin a reputation

indicates complete and likely irreversible destruction

compromise a reputation

suggests that integrity has been put at risk or exposed to doubt

stain a reputation

focuses on a specific, permanent mark of disgrace

blemish a reputation

implies a minor flaw or mark on an otherwise good standing

discredit a name

shifts focus to the reliability or truthfulness of the individual

FAQs

How do I use "damage a reputation" in a sentence?

You can use it to describe the negative consequences of an action, for example: "Spreading false rumors can quickly "damage a reputation" built over decades."

What is the difference between "damage" and "tarnish" in this context?

While both refer to negative impacts, "tarnish a reputation" implies a loss of brightness or prestige, whereas "damage a reputation" is a more literal and broad term for harm.

Is "damage a reputation" formal enough for a business report?

Yes, it is highly appropriate for professional contexts. You might also consider "adversely affect a reputation" for even higher formality.

Can I use this phrase for a company instead of a person?

Absolutely. It is very common to see variations like "damage a firm's reputation" or "damage a brand's reputation" in business journalism.