Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
discreditable
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
"discreditable" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to describe something that is likely to harm someone's reputation or credibility. Example: "His actions were deemed discreditable by the committee." Alternative expressions include "disgraceful" and "shameful."
✓ Grammatically correct
News & Media
Encyclopedias
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
59 human-written examples
Mr Hitchens asserts in this short squib that he felt compelled to omit a great deal of discreditable material and confined himself "to the identifiable crimes that should be placed on a proper bill of indictment".
News & Media
But note that in the Guardian's poll, 36% of those surveyed said that homosexuality was not morally acceptable, and 33% that being gay was not compatible with a cabinet job.And as for the sensitivity of the press, the tabloids are known to be digging around in Mr Brown's past, looking for discreditable episodes.
News & Media
The pregnant, colloquial style of Strindberg's early novels and, especially, of his short stories, brought about a long-overdue regeneration of Swedish prose style, and The Son of a Servant gave perhaps the strongest impulse since Jean-Jacques Rousseau's Confessions to the publication of discreditable self-revelations.
Encyclopedias
His indecision was not discreditable, though his criticism of Pompey's strategy was inexpert.
Encyclopedias
The succession story of King David, for example, does not spare details of his discreditable actions.
Encyclopedias
It was discreditable to him, and his self-justifying letters must be viewed with caution.
Encyclopedias
In the Vienna of the 1790s, music had become more and more the favourite pastime of a cultured aristocracy, for whom politics under the reactionary emperor Francis II were now discreditable and dangerous and who had, moreover, never shown a like appreciation of any of the other fine arts.
Encyclopedias
I genuinely hope that the next time a politician is doorstepped with some marginally discreditable episode from his or her past – one which obviously creates no real problem for their ability to do their current job – they have the nerve to reply as she did.
News & Media
Until the issue of sentencing is tackled – particularly addressing those short sentences that so often lead to re-offending – Britain's prisons will remain overcrowded, a discreditable merry-go-round of recidivism, wasted money and blighted lives.
News & Media
It's also important that the full facts are brought to light, culpability and discreditable conduct exposed and suspicion of deliberate wrongdoing is allayed," said Louise Hunt, senior coroner for Birmingham and Solihull.
News & Media
As if he suspected her of deriving from this death — or from their proximity to this death — a feeling that was discreditable and self-centered.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When describing behavior, consider the intensity of the impact on reputation. "Discreditable" is stronger than "unflattering" but less severe than "scandalous".
Common error
While grammatically sound, "discreditable" may sound overly formal in everyday conversation. In less formal settings, consider alternatives like "shameful", "dishonorable", or "disgraceful" to maintain a natural tone.
Source & Trust
91%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The adjective "discreditable" primarily functions to describe something that brings or is likely to bring discredit or dishonor. As Ludwig highlights, it refers to actions or behaviors detrimental to one's reputation. It modifies nouns, indicating a quality that diminishes respect or trust.
Frequent in
News & Media
64%
Encyclopedias
14%
Science
22%
Less common in
Formal & Business
0%
Wiki
0%
Reference
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, "discreditable" functions as an adjective denoting something that harms or is likely to harm one's reputation. It is grammatically correct and frequently used, particularly in news and encyclopedic contexts. Ludwig's analysis confirms its appropriate use in describing actions or behaviors that are viewed negatively. While alternatives like "shameful" or "dishonorable" exist, "discreditable" maintains a formal tone suitable for precise communication. When using "discreditable", consider the context to ensure the level of formality aligns with your intended audience and message.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
dishonorable
Implies a lack of honor and integrity, leading to a loss of respect.
shameful
Conveys a strong sense of disgrace and embarrassment.
reprehensible
Suggests behavior that is deserving of strong condemnation.
scandalous
Indicates behavior that is shocking and offensive to moral standards.
disgraceful
Similar to shameful, but may imply a more public humiliation.
unethical
Focuses on the violation of moral principles and professional standards.
deplorable
Suggests something that is deeply regrettable and deserving of disapproval.
unbecoming
Indicates behavior that is inappropriate and does not suit a person's position or character.
indefensible
Implies that there is no justification or excuse for the action or behavior.
disreputable
Suggests a lack of good reputation and trustworthiness.
FAQs
What does "discreditable" mean?
"Discreditable" means tending to bring discredit or dishonor; damaging to reputation. It describes actions or qualities that could cause someone to lose respect or trust.
How to use "discreditable" in a sentence?
You can use "discreditable" to describe behavior, actions, or information that could harm someone's reputation. For example, "The politician's "unethical conduct" was considered discreditable."
What can I say instead of "discreditable"?
You can use alternatives like "dishonorable", "shameful", "disgraceful", or "reprehensible" depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.
What is the difference between "discreditable" and "disreputable"?
"Discreditable" describes something that causes a loss of respect or reputation, while "disreputable" describes someone or something that already has a bad reputation. For example, a discreditable action can make someone become disreputable.
Editing plus AI, all in one place.
Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
91%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested