dubious reputation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "dubious reputation" is correct and usable in written English.
It is often used when referring to something that has a bad reputation. For example, "The company had a dubious reputation for unethical practices."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Sports

Arts

Politics

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

TIME SHARES have had a dubious reputation.

The New York Times

But his dubious reputation was nothing new.

The New Yorker

New Deal-style populism began to acquire a dubious reputation.

The New Yorker

Peninsula had such a dubious reputation that some residents said they had avoided it altogether.

The New York Times

Its bubblier cousin, with a more dubious reputation, is Asti Spumante.

The New York Times - Food

One theory is that opal's still often dubious reputation has to do with this fragility.

The New York Times - Arts

Then he was facing a prostitute and a tabloid of similarly dubious reputation.

The New Yorker

Older casinos had acquired a dubious reputation as smoke-filled dens for solitary gamblers.

The Economist

When he moved to 10th St. the Village had a very dubious reputation.

The New Yorker

For years, the Scandinavian had a dubious reputation, seeming like something a beginner might play.

The New York Times

This change took place in part because doctors wanted to spruce up their dubious reputation.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "dubious reputation", ensure that the context clearly indicates the reasons behind the negative perception. Provide specific examples or details to support the claim, enhancing credibility.

Common error

Avoid using "dubious reputation" as a generic descriptor without providing any supporting evidence or context. This weakens your argument and can appear biased or unfounded.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "dubious reputation" functions as a descriptive term, modifying a noun. It indicates that the noun in question (e.g., a person, company, or product) has a questionable or untrustworthy public image. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is generally used to refer to something with a bad reputation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Encyclopedias

10%

Sports

5%

Less common in

Arts

5%

Politics

5%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "dubious reputation" is a commonly used and grammatically correct descriptor indicating a questionable or negative standing. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is used to describe something with a bad reputation. Its prevalence across various sources, particularly in News & Media, highlights its role in conveying skepticism and warning. When using this phrase, provide specific examples or details for context. Alternatives such as "questionable standing" or "shady record" offer nuanced ways to express similar sentiments. Remember to avoid overuse without proper justification to maintain credibility in writing. Ludwig's examples offer rich context on appropriate usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

dubious standing

Is similar to "questionable standing", but a bit more generic.

blemished reputation

Suggests that the reputation has been marred or stained by negative events.

questionable standing

Emphasizes the uncertainty and lack of confidence in someone or something.

shady record

Highlights a history of dishonesty or untrustworthiness.

suspect credibility

Highlights the suspect part that affects the credibility of someone.

tarnished image

Focuses on the damage to someone's or something's public perception.

poor credibility

Underscores a lack of believability or reliability.

disreputable character

Focuses on moral failings or a lack of integrity.

negative publicity

Highlights that the reputation is suffering because of bad publicity.

tainted legacy

Suggests that the good legacy is affected by negative information.

FAQs

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

You can use "dubious reputation" to describe someone or something that has a bad or questionable standing. For example, "The company has a "dubious reputation" for its environmental practices."

What are some alternatives to "dubious reputation"?

Alternatives to "dubious reputation" include "questionable standing", "shady record", or "tarnished image". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What contributes to someone having a "dubious reputation"?

A "dubious reputation" can stem from various factors, including unethical behavior, legal issues, or a history of dishonesty. The specific reasons will vary depending on the individual or entity in question.

Is it always negative to have a "dubious reputation"?

Yes, the term "dubious reputation" inherently carries a negative connotation. It suggests that someone or something is viewed with suspicion or distrust due to past actions or perceived shortcomings.