doubtful reputation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "doubtful reputation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone or something that is perceived as having a questionable or unreliable reputation. Example: "The company has a doubtful reputation due to its history of unethical practices."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Several other women, some of doubtful reputation, were also associated with him in his early years.

Encyclopedia Britannica

True, those talking are, as "Fobaproa And You" puts it, people of "doubtful reputation", who may have ulterior motives for doing so.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Salter has long felt overlooked, neglected, doubtful of his reputation and whether it would ever amount to anything.

The Guardian - Books

Maybe he's just trying to preserve his little girl's reputation (doubtful), or maybe he's concerned that should she be confirmed as Fitz's mistress, reporters will follow the bread crumbs back to him (more likely).

Los Angeles Times

Frantic bloggers blasted bulletins: "Only five hours and 28 minutes left for Ike's!" Followed later by, "Ike's saved!" Terry Connelly, Dean of the Ageno School of Business at Golden Gate University, said the city had long had a reputation for doubtful feelings toward new businesses.

The New York Times

But whether the new research will convince critics, particularly those influenced by MDMA's reputation as a party drug, is more doubtful.

BBC

His rival, RA Butler, always doubtful of the wisdom of armed intervention, only enhanced his reputation as an appeaser.

The Guardian

In his autobiography, Fugitive Offender (1965), he claimed that the trial was based on slender and doubtful evidence, and in the long run added to his political reputation.

The Guardian

The resignation may have been a mistake, and it's doubtful that she was completely honest about her reasons, but it does reinforce her reputation as an unconventional politician.

Huffington Post

(Extremely doubtful).

The New York Times

Doubtful glances.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing an entity's standing, use "doubtful reputation" to convey uncertainty or suspicion about their conduct or quality. For stronger criticism, consider "tarnished" or "compromised".

Common error

Avoid using "doubtful reputation" when the reputation is definitively negative. Opt for stronger terms like "infamous" or "disreputable" if the situation warrants it.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "doubtful reputation" functions as a descriptive term, modifying a noun to indicate that the entity in question has a questionable or uncertain standing. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound. Examples show it used to describe individuals and organizations alike.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Encyclopedias

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

Wiki

0%

Academic

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "doubtful reputation" serves as a nuanced way to express uncertainty or suspicion regarding an entity's standing. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's grammatically correct and usable in written English. Though only a few examples are available, they show its applicability across contexts, including news and encyclopedic entries. For those looking for alternatives, phrases like "questionable reputation" or "dubious reputation" offer similar shades of meaning. Remember to select the term that accurately reflects the degree of uncertainty or negativity you wish to convey when assessing a "doubtful reputation".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

questionable reputation

Replaces "doubtful" with a more direct synonym, "questionable", maintaining the same overall meaning.

dubious reputation

Uses "dubious", which emphasizes uncertainty and suspicion about the reputation.

suspect reputation

Employs "suspect", suggesting the reputation is under scrutiny or not fully trusted.

tainted reputation

Indicates the reputation has been damaged or negatively affected.

tarnished reputation

Similar to "tainted", implying a loss of luster or credibility.

compromised reputation

Suggests the reputation has been weakened or put at risk.

disputable reputation

Highlights that the reputation is open to argument or challenge.

uncertain standing

Shifts from "reputation" to "standing", focusing on the ambiguous position or status.

shaky credibility

Replaces "reputation" with "credibility", emphasizing the lack of trustworthiness.

tenuous public image

Uses "tenuous public image", highlighting the fragility and instability of the perception.

FAQs

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

You can use "doubtful reputation" to describe someone or something with a questionable or unreliable standing. For example: "The company acquired a "doubtful reputation" after several instances of unethical practices".

What are some alternatives to "doubtful reputation"?

Alternatives include "questionable reputation", "dubious reputation", or "suspect reputation", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "doubtful reputation" or "bad reputation"?

"Doubtful reputation" implies uncertainty or a lack of trust, whereas "bad reputation" suggests a definitively negative perception. The best choice depends on the specific context.

What's the difference between "doubtful reputation" and "controversial reputation"?

"Doubtful reputation" means there are reasons to question the entity's integrity or reliability, while "controversial reputation" indicates that the entity evokes strong, opposing opinions.