dodgy reputation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'dodgy reputation' is correct and usable in written English.
You could use it to describe a person who is seen as untrustworthy or unreliable. For example: John has a dodgy reputation in the community, so no one wants to do business with him.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Travel

Books

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

And Britain has a dodgy reputation.

The Economist

It's got a dodgy reputation but it's wonderful, and it's safe.

The Guardian - Travel

This megatropolis of 21 million people has a dodgy reputation: street crime, pollution, traffic, infinite urban sprawl.

The Times

IN 1926 the Chicagoan, a magazine modelled on the New Yorker, attempted to counter the city's increasingly dodgy reputation by highlighting its literary and cultural greatness.

The Economist

Enter Victor Frankenstein who, because of the depraved experiments he's been carrying out in his lab, has something of a dodgy reputation.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

A civil war from 1992 to 2002 left 160,000 dead and a dodgy reputation for terrorism and violence hasn't helped matters.

The Guardian - Music

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

Russian oil firms, with a well-deserved reputation for dodgy dealings, were forced to adopt that sensible if ego-deflating measure in order to satisfy the demands of western investors.

The Economist

But as Nigerians earn a reputation for dodgy deals (the 419 racket is named after the number of the Nigerian law that forbids it) con-men are moving to southern Africa.

The Economist

eBay has long been saddled with a reputation for dodgy listings and phishing scams.

Forbes

Get it done at a nice salon with a good reputation, nowhere dodgy.

WikiHow

His reputation for alleged dodgy business practices also severely damaged the public's trust in the government.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "dodgy reputation", ensure the context provides clear indicators of the reasons behind the negative perception, such as specific actions or associations.

Common error

While "dodgy reputation" is widely understood, it leans towards informal language. In formal or professional writing, consider using alternatives like "questionable reputation" or "dubious standing" for a more appropriate tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "dodgy reputation" functions as a descriptive attribute, modifying a noun to indicate a negative or questionable standing. As Ludwig AI explains, this descriptor typically suggests unreliability, untrustworthiness, or even potential involvement in unethical or illegal activities. Examples show its application to individuals, businesses, and even places.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Travel

10%

Books

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "dodgy reputation" effectively conveys a negative assessment of someone or something, implying unreliability or untrustworthiness. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is grammatically correct, though leaning towards informal usage. While "dodgy reputation" appears across varied domains like news, travel, and books, it's best to consider using more formal substitutes like "questionable reputation" or "dubious reputation" in professional or academic settings. When employing this phrase, ensure the context makes explicit the reasons underlying the negative perception.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

shady reputation

Emphasizes a sense of secrecy and potential illegality.

questionable reputation

Highlights the uncertainty and doubt surrounding someone's or something's standing.

dubious reputation

Implies skepticism and a lack of credibility.

tainted reputation

Suggests that the reputation has been corrupted or damaged.

unsavory reputation

Indicates unpleasant or morally objectionable qualities.

disreputable standing

Formal alternative, highlighting a lack of respectability.

blemished reputation

Focuses on the imperfections or flaws in the reputation.

compromised reputation

Suggests the reputation has been damaged by scandal or wrongdoing.

sullied reputation

A more literary term for a reputation that has been stained or tarnished.

tarnished image

Shifts the focus from 'reputation' to 'image', implying a surface-level concern.

FAQs

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

You can use "dodgy reputation" to describe someone or something considered unreliable, untrustworthy, or potentially involved in illegal activities. For example: "The company gained a "dodgy reputation" after several reports of fraud surfaced."

What's a less informal synonym for "dodgy reputation"?

Alternatives include "questionable reputation", "dubious reputation", or "tainted reputation". These options are more suitable for formal writing.

Is it correct to say someone has a "dodgy reputation"?

Yes, it's a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase in English to indicate that someone or something is perceived negatively.

What's the difference between "dodgy reputation" and "bad reputation"?

"Dodgy reputation" implies more than just general negativity; it suggests potential dishonesty, unreliability, or even involvement in illegal or unethical activities. A "bad reputation" is a broader term encompassing any negative perception.