dodgy record

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "dodgy record" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone or something that has a questionable or unreliable history, often in a negative context. Example: "The candidate's dodgy record on financial matters raised concerns during the hiring process."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

The Vinnie Jones advert features the Bee Gees' hit Staying Alive, which might be a dodgy record but is a perfect rhythmic touchstone.

The Guardian - Sport

The more indebted America feels, the less likely it is to be tough on other prickly subjects like China's claim to Taiwan or its dodgy record on human rights.

The Economist

The "hoods" in the title alludes to grimy council housing – in this case, Ruff Endz estate, the home of Prince, a D-list celebrity who's made his name as the local philanderer; Rap-on-Zel, an up-and-coming MC; Jaxx, a skateboarding producer in the making; Spinderella, an ambitious female DJ; Giant, the estate's drug dealer; Wolf, a dodgy record label boss, and Li'L Red, an aspiring R&B singer.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Other firms have voluntarily brought evidence of bribery and dodgy record-keeping in their companies to the Department of Justice and the SEC.

The Economist

The Care Quality Commission did not find the dodgy records.

BBC

He pointed to Burma's lack of arbitration, dodgy track record in policing and the suspended Myitsone dam project as lessons to be studied.

The Guardian

"Ménilmontant, yes indeed, madam / That's where I left my heart," sings Trenet, whose dodgy wartime record – he performed for the occupying Germans, but was cleared of collaboration – I hope we to some extent forgive, for all the pleasure he gave in his long career.

The Guardian - Music

But, ultimately, they were thwarted, and not just by dodgy phone records, or elusive interviewees.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

This week, the Financial Services Authority officially branded interest-only home loans as "high-risk", lumping them in with so-called liar loans and mortgages for people with dodgy credit records.

The Guardian - Money

Egg said the move was to cut down on dodgy credit records - but plenty of irate cardholders said they could see no reason for their cards to be cancelled.

The Guardian - Money

It has a record of dodgy accounting.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "dodgy record", ensure the context clearly indicates what aspect of the record is questionable. Specificity enhances clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "dodgy record" without providing context. If the reader doesn't know what makes the record dodgy, the phrase loses its impact and becomes vague.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "dodgy record" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "dodgy" modifies the noun "record". Ludwig examples show it describing questionable histories, accounting practices, or submissions.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

25%

Science

0%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "dodgy record" is used to describe something or someone that has a questionable history. It’s considered grammatically correct and usable in written English, although Ludwig AI considers it leaning towards informal. Common alternatives include "questionable history", "dubious past", and "shady background". When employing the phrase, clarity is key: ensure the context makes the specific concern clear to the reader. The phrase finds frequent use in news and media outlets.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

questionable history

Focuses on the history being called into question.

dubious past

Emphasizes the uncertainty and doubt surrounding the past.

shady background

Highlights the lack of transparency and potential dishonesty.

tainted reputation

Suggests the reputation has been corrupted or damaged.

blemished track record

Emphasizes imperfections in the past performance.

compromised history

Focuses on the integrity of the past events being diminished.

problematic file

Emphasizes concerns associated with a record or file.

untrustworthy account

Highlights the lack of reliability in the given account.

disreputable standing

Suggests a lack of respectability or honor.

suspicious details

Focuses on specific aspects that raise concerns.

FAQs

How can I use "dodgy record" in a sentence?

You can use "dodgy record" to describe something or someone with a questionable or unreliable past. For example, "The company had a "dodgy record" of environmental violations".

What can I say instead of "dodgy record"?

Alternatives include "questionable history", "dubious past", or "shady background" depending on the specific context.

Is "dodgy record" a formal or informal phrase?

"Dodgy record" is generally considered informal. In formal contexts, using phrases like "questionable history" or "blemished track record" may be more appropriate.

What does it mean when someone has a "dodgy record"?

A "dodgy record" indicates that someone or something has a history that is unreliable, untrustworthy, or potentially dishonest. It suggests a past with questionable activities or outcomes.