dishonor

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "dishonor" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the act of bringing shame or disgrace to someone or something. Example: "His actions were seen as a way to dishonor the family name."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But Pete Wehner wonders why Mr Robinson was not so vocal about customs and norms when Al Gore accused George Bush of bringing "deep dishonor to our country" and building a "durable reputation as the most dishonest president since Richard Nixon" (among other things).Mr Gore was also a prominent critic of the Iraq war, prior to its launch.

The Economist

Jackson had these words inscribed on her tombstone: "A being so gentle and yet so virtuous, slander might wound, but could not dishonor".

Encyclopedia Britannica

"… It can never be surrendered, save to your unspeakable dishonor, and with its consequences fraught with immeasurable evil.

Independent

Blasting the false claims on Twitter, the rapper posted: "Despite recent media reports, I've never said anything to dishonor or trivialize the life or transition of one of the most inspiring leaders.[sic]" He added: "At a young age my mother taught me the importance of his work.

Independent

Blasting the reports on Twitter, the rapper posted: "Despite recent media reports, I've never said anything to dishonor or trivialize the life or transition of one of the most inspiring leaders.[sic]" He added: "At a young age my mother taught me the importance of his work.

Independent

Now that his colleagues were acting on their own, it wasn't only ancient tradition they were about to dishonor but administrative rules as well.

The New Yorker

Her sense of entrapment draws her in mute sympathy to the newly built internment camp in the valley, where an angst-ridden German P.O.W., struggling with the dishonor of having surrendered to the enemy, realizes that he has lost faith in the Nazi cause.

The New Yorker

The final portrait becomes less one of scandal and dishonor than a picture of the problems that can plague any struggling team.

The New Yorker

Some critics said that his endorsement of Obama was an act of "disloyalty and dishonor".

The New Yorker

Those of us who worked in the French Quarter and lived elsewhere recognized one another by our stained uniforms, which could feel like marks of dishonor as we walked to catch buses home.

The New Yorker

Another debacle like the ones in St . Louisor Paris might have relegated the marathon to the scrap heap of short-lived Olympic sports — a dishonor that has since been bestowed upon such events as tug-of-war and Basque pelota.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "dishonor" when you want to emphasize a violation of principles or a loss of respect and reputation. It is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, but be mindful of the intensity of the word's connotation.

Common error

Avoid using "dishonor" in casual conversations where a lighter term like "shame" or "disgrace" would be more appropriate. Overusing "dishonor" can sound overly dramatic or pretentious in everyday settings.

Linguistic Context

The word "dishonor" functions primarily as a noun or a verb. As a noun, it denotes a state of shame or disgrace. As a verb, it means to bring shame or disgrace upon something or someone. Ludwig highlights its correct usage in numerous real-world examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Encyclopedias

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

3%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "dishonor" is a versatile term used as both a noun and a verb to express shame, disgrace, or a violation of principles. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and widely used, particularly in News & Media and Encyclopedias. While often interchangeable with words like "shame" and "disgrace", "dishonor" carries a slightly more formal tone and emphasizes a breach of moral or ethical standards. It's important to use "dishonor" judiciously, avoiding overuse in casual contexts where simpler terms might be more appropriate. Remember that "dishonour" is the British English spelling.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

shame

Represents a feeling of humiliation or disgrace, often interchangeable with "dishonor" in many contexts.

disgrace

Implies a loss of respect or reputation, similar to "dishonor" but can sometimes carry a stronger connotation of public disapproval.

degradation

Signifies a decline in quality or moral character, akin to the consequences of "dishonor".

infamy

Suggests a state of being known for bad deeds or a negative reputation, a potential result of "dishonor".

ignominy

Denotes public shame or disgrace, often associated with a specific dishonorable act.

opprobrium

Indicates harsh criticism or condemnation, which can follow an act of "dishonor".

disrepute

Refers to a state of being held in low esteem, similar to the consequences of "dishonor".

taint

Suggests a stain or blemish on one's reputation, similar to how "dishonor" can damage a person's image.

besmirch

Implies the act of damaging someone's reputation or honor, similar to the verb form of "dishonor".

tarnish

Indicates a loss of luster or shine, metaphorically representing the damage to one's reputation caused by "dishonor".

FAQs

How can I use "dishonor" in a sentence?

You can use "dishonor" as a noun, like in the sentence "His actions brought "dishonor" to his family", or as a verb, such as "He would never "dishonor" his country".

What words can I use instead of "dishonor"?

Alternatives include "shame", "disgrace", "infamy", or "disrepute", depending on the specific context and desired nuance.

What is the difference between "dishonor" and "disgrace"?

"Dishonor" often implies a violation of principles or a code of conduct, while "disgrace" typically refers to a loss of public respect or esteem. The terms are often interchangeable, but they emphasize slightly different aspects of a negative situation.

Is it ever correct to use "dishonour" instead of "dishonor"?

Yes, "dishonour" is the standard spelling in British English, while "dishonor" is the standard spelling in American English. Both are correct, but the choice depends on the intended audience and regional writing conventions.