does not reflect well on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "does not reflect well on" is correct and commonly used in written English.
You can use it to refer to how someone's actions or words make a bad impression on others. For example, "His disregard for basic safety rules does not reflect well on him as a leader."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Her voice has become a very powerful one, but this latest US Open outburst does not reflect well on her.

BBC

Their homogeneity does not reflect well on the diversity of the G.O.P. or its views.

The New York Times

That does not reflect well on the European officials and international creditors involved.

The Guardian - Opinion

Even so, the suggestion that Moores learned of his fate from the media does not reflect well on the ECB.

The Guardian - Sport

Almost everyone who works with Adie has some story to tell which does not reflect well on their colleague.

The Guardian

He writes: "The sheer emotional energy these scrapes consumed does not reflect well on any of the participants – me included.

The Guardian

Third, that justice had to come from international courts does not reflect well on Africans and Liberia in particular.

The Guardian

The lack of meaningful action by Premiership Rugby and the Rugby Football Union does not reflect well on either body.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

This anecdote doesn't reflect well on me, but I stand by the basic principle.

The Guardian - Opinion

"That's pretty stark, and it doesn't reflect well on the political establishment," he said.

The New York Times

"The fact that it's happening now doesn't reflect well on anyone".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider stronger verbs to convey impact. While "does not reflect well on" is suitable, more impactful verbs such as "undermines", "damages", or "tarnishes" might be more appropriate depending on the context.

Common error

Avoid using "does not reflect well on" with vague or unclear subjects. Instead of saying, 'The situation does not reflect well on things', specify what 'things' refers to, such as 'The handling of the situation does not reflect well on the company's leadership'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "does not reflect well on" serves as a critical assessment, indicating that a particular action, behavior, or situation negatively impacts the perception or reputation of someone or something. Ludwig examples highlight its usage across various domains, reinforcing its role in expressing disapproval or negative judgment.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Academia

12%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "does not reflect well on" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed expression used to denote that an action or situation casts a negative light on someone or something. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's validity and wide applicability. Its presence across various domains, particularly news, academia, and science, highlights its versatility in expressing criticism or disapproval. When using this phrase, ensure the subject is clearly defined to avoid ambiguity, and consider stronger verbs for added impact. It's crucial to avoid using it with vague subjects to maintain clarity and precision in communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reflects badly on

Similar to "reflects poorly on", simply changing "well" to "badly".

reflects poorly on

Focuses on the action of reflecting, emphasizing the negative aspect of the reflection.

casts a bad light on

Emphasizes the creation of a negative perception or impression.

presents a negative image of

Highlights the resulting negative portrayal or depiction.

is detrimental to

Indicates harm or damage to reputation or standing.

is unflattering to

Emphasizes that the action makes someone appear in a less favorable way.

is to the discredit of

Highlights the loss of respect or reputation.

is damaging to

Focuses on the harmful impact on reputation or image.

tarnishes the reputation of

Implies that the reputation has been stained or dirtied.

brings discredit to

Indicates a loss of credibility or honor.

FAQs

How can I use "does not reflect well on" in a sentence?

You can use "does not reflect well on" to express that something has a negative impact on someone's reputation or image. For example, "His repeated absences from work "does not reflect well on" his commitment to the team".

What are some alternatives to "does not reflect well on"?

Some alternatives include "reflects poorly on", "casts a bad light on", or "presents a negative image of", depending on the context.

Is "does not reflect well on" grammatically correct?

Yes, "does not reflect well on" is grammatically correct and commonly used in written English to indicate a negative impact or impression.

What's the difference between "does not reflect well on" and "reflects badly on"?

The phrases "does not reflect well on" and "reflects badly on" are very similar in meaning and can often be used interchangeably. The choice between them often comes down to stylistic preference.