dishonourable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "dishonourable" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe actions or behaviors that are considered unethical or lacking in honor. Example: "His dishonourable conduct during the negotiations led to a loss of trust among his colleagues."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Peter Robinson, the first minister, hit back on Monday claiming McGuinness and Sinn Féin were "dishonourable" over support for the Stormont House agreement.

The Guardian

In time-honoured, if dishonourable, fashion, most of them have chosen to brief reporters on a confidential basis.

The Guardian

He was also given a dishonourable discharge from the army.

The Economist

Top officials at the Mitsubishi group of companies (or keiretsu) were already livid with the dishonourable conduct of Mitsubishi Motors, which admitted last month to covering up customer complaints for more than 20 years.

The Economist

But the EU's defence, when charged by America with helping to legitimise a dishonourable regime, is that its engagement with Iran helps the reformists to fulfil their pledges.

The Economist

This led the official Chinese media to dub Rio a "dishonourable woman".Porsche's request for a €1.75 billion ($2.5 billion) loan from a state-controlled bank in Germany was turned down.

The Economist

The prime minister has denounced Mr Dogan's journalists as "dishonourable" and "lowly sell-outs".

The Economist

The media, especially the business and technology press and financial chat-shows on television, played its own dishonourable part in helping to inflate the bubble.But over it all bestrode the arrogant investment bankers of Wall Street.

The Economist

But one plausible argument for now taking that risk is that the Tory party is mired in sleaze.This is not to suggest that Tory MPs are mostly dishonourable people whose sexual and financial greed is out of control.

The Economist

Army money-making was becoming a dishonourable distraction from modernising a hopelessly backward war machine.

The Economist

Mr Messier's behaviour was "highly indecent and dishonourable", he told the FT, prompting the Frenchman to call his lawyers.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When choosing between "dishonorable" and "dishonourable", consider your audience and regional preferences. "Dishonourable" is more common in British English, while "dishonorable" is preferred in American English.

Common error

Avoid using "dishonourable" in everyday conversations where a milder term would suffice. Overusing strong words can diminish their impact.

Linguistic Context

The word "dishonourable" functions primarily as an adjective, modifying nouns to describe actions, behaviors, or individuals lacking honor or moral integrity. As Ludwig AI shows, it is commonly used to describe conduct or actions deemed unethical.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Encyclopedias

20%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Science

4%

Reference

4%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "dishonourable" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed adjective signifying a lack of honor or ethical conduct. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the term sees prevalent use across varied contexts, with news media and encyclopedias being particularly common sources. When using the word "dishonourable", writers should strive for clarity and precision, ensuring that the term's gravitas aligns appropriately with the subject matter and context. Alternatives such as "unethical", "shameful", and "corrupt" may be more fitting depending on the specific shade of meaning intended.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unethical

Refers to actions that violate accepted moral principles.

unprincipled

Describes someone who does not act according to moral principles.

base

Indicates a lack of moral character or decency.

shameful

Suggests behavior that brings disgrace or dishonor.

deceitful

Implies the use of trickery or dishonesty.

corrupt

Indicates a state of moral decay or dishonesty, especially involving bribery.

unscrupulous

Describes someone who is without moral or ethical considerations.

reprehensible

Suggests behavior deserving condemnation.

despicable

Indicates something that is extremely unpleasant or contemptible.

ignoble

Describes actions or character that are not honorable or noble.

FAQs

How can I use "dishonourable" in a sentence?

You can use "dishonourable" to describe actions or behaviors that lack integrity or violate moral principles. For example, "His "dishonourable conduct" during the negotiations led to a breakdown in trust".

What's the difference between "dishonourable" and "unethical"?

"Dishonourable" implies a violation of honor or integrity, while "unethical" refers to a violation of a specific code of ethics or moral principles. While they often overlap, "unethical" is often used in professional contexts. In certain contexts you can replace "dishonourable" with "unethical".

What are some synonyms for "dishonourable"?

Some synonyms for "dishonourable" include "unprincipled", "shameful", "deceitful", and "corrupt". The best alternative depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to use "dishonourable"?

Yes, "dishonourable" is a correct and usable word in English. It's the British English spelling of "dishonorable", and it's used to describe something that lacks honor or is unethical.