dishonorable

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'dishonorable' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone who is not behaving in a way that is considered to be honorable or to describe something that is not in line with accepted ethical standards. For example, you could say, "His behavior during the game was dishonest and dishonorable."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But dishonoring such wishes, even 50 years after Hemingway's death, is still dishonorable, and tarnishes the legacy he clearly wanted to leave: not a portrait of a man with all his flaws in plain sight, but the great works of literature he produced.

The New York Times - Books

"I think this is both dishonorable and dangerous and want to find way to say it," she wrote.

The Guardian

"But this is changing," he says.Japanese managers know that a company has to be profitable, but generally, being interested in earning money is considered dishonorable, he says.

The Economist

How can the dishonorable convey honors?This strikes my ears a bit like: "How can the unmarried create marriages?" Well, ask a priest.

The Economist

After writing the Broadway hit Strictly Dishonorable (1929), he married a prominent New York socialite.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Torie Clarke, who was McCain's press secretary at the time, told me that what was most upsetting to him was not that others were accusing him of unethical behavior; it was that he had "looked into the abyss and saw that maybe he had done something dishonorable".

The New Yorker

To skulk and hide was to lead a dishonorable life.

The New Yorker

As a youngster he joined gangs of other kids who stole from stores, stole cars for joy-rides In 1945, at the age of 18, he joined the Army, from which he received a dishonorable discharge because of insubordination.

The New Yorker

A response to slavery — even a cowardly, dishonorable one like what we witness with Stephen — highlights the depravity of the institution.

The New Yorker

In 1913, he was abruptly restored to civilian life, with a dishonorable discharge, after assaulting the company cook.

The New Yorker

"But, ten years ago, I got what amounted to a dishonorable discharge from the industry, and I've always been ashamed of that.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Pair "dishonorable" with specific actions or behaviors to provide context and clarity. Avoid vague accusations; instead, describe the conduct that is considered dishonorable.

Common error

While "dishonorable" is a strong word, avoid using it in overly casual or trivial situations. It can sound overly dramatic or pretentious if applied to minor missteps. Consider a milder alternative such as "inappropriate" or "unprofessional".

Linguistic Context

The adjective "dishonorable" primarily functions to describe a noun as lacking honor, integrity, or ethical principles. It's employed to characterize actions, behaviors, or individuals that deviate from accepted moral standards. As evidenced by Ludwig, it describes actions or behaviors considered morally wrong.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Encyclopedias

12%

Science

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "dishonorable" is an adjective used to describe something lacking honor or integrity. As Ludwig AI confirms, its grammatical status is correct and it is very commonly found in various contexts, predominantly in news and media. When using "dishonorable", it's important to consider the severity of the situation and choose synonyms accordingly, while avoiding overuse in informal settings. Common errors include using "dishonorable" in overly casual contexts, where other synonyms, such as "unethical" or "shady" may be more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unethical

Focuses specifically on the violation of moral principles and codes of conduct.

unprincipled

Emphasizes the lack of strong moral principles guiding one's actions.

shameful

Highlights the feeling of disgrace or embarrassment associated with an action.

reprehensible

Indicates that an action is deserving of strong disapproval or condemnation.

despicable

Conveys a strong sense of contempt and disgust for someone's behavior.

ignominious

Highlights the public shame and disgrace associated with an event or action.

base

Suggests a lack of moral character and a willingness to act in a degrading way.

nefarious

Implies wickedness and evil intent behind an action.

corrupt

Suggests the presence of dishonesty and moral decay, particularly in positions of power.

disreputable

Focuses on damage to one's reputation and the loss of respect from others.

FAQs

How can I use "dishonorable" in a sentence?

You can use "dishonorable" to describe actions or people lacking honor or integrity. For example, "His actions were considered "dishonorable" and led to his dismissal."

What are some synonyms for "dishonorable"?

Alternatives to "dishonorable" include "unethical", "shameful", or "despicable", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What's the difference between "dishonorable" and "dishonest"?

"Dishonorable" implies a lack of integrity and violation of ethical principles, while "dishonest" specifically refers to a lack of truthfulness or a tendency to deceive. Being dishonest can be "dishonorable", but not all dishonorable actions are necessarily dishonest.

Is "dishonorable" a formal or informal word?

"Dishonorable" is generally considered a formal word, suitable for serious or official contexts. In more casual settings, alternatives like "shady" or "unethical" might be more appropriate.