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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak quote

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

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discreditable

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

USAGE 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

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

The Economist

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 Economist

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.

His indecision was not discreditable, though his criticism of Pompey's strategy was inexpert.

The succession story of King David, for example, does not spare details of his discreditable actions.

It was discreditable to him, and his self-justifying letters must be viewed with caution.

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.

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

Independent

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

Independent

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

Independent

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

The New Yorker
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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.

Antonio Rotolo, PhD - Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

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.

Expression frequency: Very common

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.

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.

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Source & Trust

91%

Authority and reliability

4.5/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences: