disreputable behavior

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "disreputable behavior" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe actions or conduct that is considered dishonorable or lacking in good reputation. Example: "His disreputable behavior at the party led to his exclusion from future events."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

The wish "to 'decriminalize' disreputable behavior that 'harms no one' — and thus remove the ultimate sanction the police can employ to maintain neighborhood order — is, we think, a mistake," Mr. Wilson and Mr. Kelling wrote.

The New York Times

Mr. Lundholm is a hyperactive former drug addict and alcoholic with an athletic build, a shaved head, a criminal record and a history of other disreputable behavior that would disqualify him for employment of any kind.

The New York Times

Burgess was, according to dozens of secret papers, a notorious drunkard: prone to "disreputable behavior".

Vice

This disreputable behavior is seen by the same teenage girls who watch the starvation, and the drinking, and the hooking up, and for some reason, they learn that throwing a tantrum and cussing someone out is okay.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

They live in faraway places, come from obscure cultures, speak incomprehensible languages, have disreputable comorbid disease, or exhibit antisocial behavior.

Emerging Infectious Diseases

His behavior is deemed dangerous and disreputable by the government, which is threatening him with imprisonment -- or worse.

The New York Times

Ben Emmerson, one of Mr. Assange's lawyers, said that his client's behavior in Sweden might have been "disreputable, discourteous, disturbing," but that it did not constitute a crime under British law, rendering any Swedish arrest warrant invalid.

The New York Times

Are those entirely disreputable?

The New Yorker

Not too disreputable, really.

The Guardian

Currently, disreputable stage hypnotist.

The Guardian

Of questionable character; dubious; disreputable.

The New York Times - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing "disreputable behavior", provide specific examples to clarify the nature and extent of the misconduct. This adds clarity and strengthens your argument.

Common error

Avoid using "disreputable behavior" as a blanket term without providing context. Always specify what actions constitute the disreputable behavior to avoid ambiguity and misinterpretations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "disreputable behavior" functions as a noun phrase, where the adjective "disreputable" modifies the noun "behavior". As Ludwig AI confirms, it is used to describe actions considered dishonorable or lacking good reputation. The examples provided by Ludwig illustrate its usage in different contexts.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

12%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "disreputable behavior" is a grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe actions that are considered dishonorable or unethical. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is usable in written English, and the examples illustrate its usage in various contexts, primarily in news and media. While the phrase itself is neutral in register, its impact is often negative due to the nature of the described actions. When using "disreputable behavior", it's important to provide specific examples to clarify the misconduct. Alternatives such as "unethical conduct" or "shameful actions" can be used depending on the desired nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unethical conduct

Focuses specifically on the ethical aspect of the behavior.

dishonorable behavior

Stresses the lack of honor or integrity in the conduct.

reprehensible behavior

Highlights that the behavior is deserving of strong condemnation.

shameful actions

Emphasizes the feeling of shame associated with the behavior.

unacceptable conduct

Highlights that the behavior is not permissible or tolerable.

deplorable behavior

Indicates the behavior is deeply regrettable and worthy of disapproval.

scandalous conduct

Suggests the behavior is likely to cause public outrage.

improper actions

Indicates the behavior is not appropriate or suitable.

unseemly actions

Emphasizes the inappropriateness and tastelessness of the behavior.

questionable conduct

Suggests the behavior is doubtful in terms of morality or legality.

FAQs

How can I use "disreputable behavior" in a sentence?

You can use "disreputable behavior" to describe actions that damage someone's reputation or are considered unethical. For example: "His "disreputable behavior" at the conference resulted in him losing his job."

What are some synonyms for "disreputable behavior"?

Alternatives include "unethical conduct", "shameful actions", or "unacceptable conduct". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is "disreputable behavior" a formal or informal term?

"Disreputable behavior" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, in highly formal settings, consider using synonyms such as "unethical conduct" or "improper actions" for added precision.

What distinguishes "disreputable behavior" from simply "bad behavior"?

"Disreputable behavior" specifically implies actions that damage one's reputation or bring dishonor, whereas "bad behavior" is a broader term encompassing any undesirable or inappropriate conduct.