disreputable

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'disreputable' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone or something that has a bad reputation. For example, "The disreputable behavior of the defendant led to a guilty verdict."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

3.F2: All facts, even the most simple ones, are disreputable.

SEP

When Wilde arrived at L'Hôtel – then known as Hôtel d'Alsace – in August 1899, it was considered to be something of a disreputable place.

The Guardian - Travel

Up until Powell began making his speeches about race the views he was expressing had widespread currency in private but in public they were disreputable, stuck out there in a margin to the right of the Conservatives.

The Guardian

But we continue to do all of these environmentally disreputable things.

The Guardian - Tech

Michael's competitors were disreputable, he said, and he needed to be vigilant with potential clients.

The Guardian - Tech

As well as the Telegraph allegedly purging proper coverage of HSBC's role in tax evasion from its pages because of advertising, we now know the Barclay brothers took a loan from this disreputable bank.

The Guardian - Opinion

But it's when something suspect or disreputable needs to be sanitised, that youth scenery comes into its own.

The Guardian - Opinion

Quentin Tarantino may take the low road (trashy vitality, pastiche of already disreputable genres) and Steven Spielberg the high road – moral seriousness, historical scruple – but they have both arrived in the same territory this year, the subject of slavery in American history.

The Guardian - Film

"Philosophically, we're Switzerland," says its co-founder, Matthew Prince.Attaching machines to a website's servers can block traffic from disreputable internet addresses, but let genuine users through.

The Economist

The defence establishment still has ties with such disreputable regimes as North Korea's.

The Economist

The implicit threat is that if the firm does not stump up, the knowledge might end up in disreputable hands.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "disreputable" when you want to convey that someone or something has a damaged or tarnished reputation. It's particularly effective when describing entities that were once considered reputable but have since fallen from grace.

Common error

Avoid using "disreputable" when you mean "disrespectful". "Disreputable" refers to a damaged reputation, while "disrespectful" describes a lack of courtesy or regard. For instance, a business might be "disreputable" due to fraud, while an employee might be "disrespectful" to their manager.

Linguistic Context

The adjective "disreputable" primarily functions to modify nouns, describing entities or individuals with damaged or questionable reputations. Ludwig indicates that the term is usable and correct in written English, as evidenced by the numerous examples provided.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Encyclopedias

10%

Science

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The analysis reveals that "disreputable" is a versatile adjective used to describe entities with damaged or tarnished reputations. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. It's most frequently encountered in news and media, encyclopedias, and scientific contexts, maintaining a formal to neutral tone. When using "disreputable", ensure you are accurately conveying a damaged reputation rather than simple disrespect. Consider alternatives such as "ill-reputed", "shady", or "notorious" to fine-tune your intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ill-reputed

A more direct synonym, emphasizing a bad reputation; somewhat more formal than "disreputable".

of ill repute

A more formal phrasing to indicate having a bad reputation; slightly archaic.

notorious

Implies being widely known for negative reasons, often for scandalous or criminal behavior; broader in scope than "disreputable".

unrespectable

Highlights the lack of social acceptability or moral standing; slightly stronger emphasis on societal norms.

shady

Suggests questionable ethics or dealings, often implying dishonesty or illegality; more informal than "disreputable".

scandalous

Focuses on causing public outrage or shock due to immoral or improper actions; emphasizes the public reaction more than "disreputable".

untrustworthy

Highlights the lack of reliability and integrity, suggesting a potential for betrayal or deception; emphasizes a deficit of trust.

unsavory

Describes something unpleasant or morally offensive, often relating to behavior or character; connotes distastefulness.

ignominious

Implies a deep public shame and disgrace, often after a failure or defeat; focuses on the loss of honor.

in bad odor

Suggests being out of favor or viewed negatively, often due to past actions; metaphorical.

FAQs

How can I use "disreputable" in a sentence?

You can use "disreputable" to describe someone or something that has a bad reputation. For example, "The "disreputable company" was known for its unethical business practices."

What words are similar to "disreputable"?

Alternatives to "disreputable" include "notorious", "shady", or "ill-reputed". The best choice depends on the specific context.

What is the difference between "disreputable" and "unrespectable"?

"Disreputable" emphasizes damage to reputation, often due to specific actions. "Unrespectable" focuses on a lack of social acceptability or moral standing. While similar, "disreputable" carries a stronger connotation of past misconduct.

When is it appropriate to use "disreputable"?

Use "disreputable" when you want to highlight that a person, organization, or activity has lost its good name or standing due to unethical, illegal, or otherwise unacceptable behavior. It implies a fall from grace or a tarnished image.