less reputable

USAGE SUMMARY

"less reputable" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when referring to people, businesses, or organizations that are seen in less favorable light than others. For example: "The smaller, less reputable business was fined for not following safety regulations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

49 human-written examples

ψ(x i,x j ) is typically set according to the transition matrix shown in Table 1, which indicates that a low-reputation entity (e.g. a less reputable user) is more likely to be associated with low-reputation neighbors (e.g. compromised devices).

EURASIP Journal on Information Security

As there is a natural correlation between reputation and risk (e.g., less reputable entities generally pose high risks), we define an entity's risk as P(x R )=(1−P(x NR )) weighted by the importance of the entity, such that a high-value asset will experience a large increase in its risk score even with a small decline in its reputation.

EURASIP Journal on Information Security

Some less reputable newspapers advertised "cures for menstrual blockage" [pregnancies].

The Guardian - Film

But there are also less reputable relatives, like the ones that lurk in shower stalls.

The New York Times - Science

Finally, she settled on flypaper, that sticky spiral found at less reputable food sellers.

The New York Times

Indeed, it would be easier to dismiss the state data if it were conducted by less reputable firms.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

7 human-written examples

A number of Democrats have expressed concern that lifting the restrictions would only encourage fraud by less-reputable institutions.

The New York Times

Caution : Make sure you understand consolidation's complexities and potential pitfalls, and the predatory traps lurking from less-reputable private lenders.

Forbes

Such tweaking is termed Search Engine Optimization (SEO) but thus also refers to the less-reputable practice of commercial arrangements for boosting site rankings.

Journal of Cheminformatics

Some players are migrating to smaller, less-reputable sites, which will probably be shut down or close their doors to US players in the coming months.

Vice

In the minds of many repo agents, the penny-pinching by lenders has pitted them against one another, as reputable firms struggle to do the job on thinner margins and less-reputable agents willingly take on the cheaper work.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "less reputable", ensure you have a factual basis for the assessment, especially in professional contexts. Avoid making unsubstantiated claims.

Common error

Avoid using "less reputable" as a blanket term. Instead, specify the exact reasons for the reduced reputation, such as "less reputable due to frequent customer complaints" or "less reputable because of safety violations".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less reputable" primarily functions as a qualifying adjective phrase. It modifies a noun, indicating a diminished level of trustworthiness, credibility, or esteem. Ludwig provides numerous examples of its use in describing entities, sources, and practices that are perceived as inferior in standing.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "less reputable" is a common and grammatically correct adjective phrase used to describe something that has a lower standing in terms of trust, credibility, or ethical behavior. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. It is prevalent in news and media, as well as science and business contexts. When employing the phrase, it is important to ensure that there is a factual basis and avoid overgeneralizations by citing concrete examples. Alternatives such as "less trustworthy" or "less credible" may be more appropriate depending on the specific context. The expert rating suggests a high level of confidence in its use and understanding.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

less trustworthy

Focuses specifically on a lack of reliability and honesty.

less credible

Emphasizes a lack of believability or validity.

less reliable

Highlights the uncertainty and potential unsteadiness.

of lower standing

Indicates a diminished position or status in a hierarchy.

not as respected

Emphasizes a deficit in the level of esteem held by others.

of dubious character

Suggests questionable morals or ethics.

of ill repute

Implies a history of bad behavior or poor standing.

not above board

Suggests dishonesty or unethical practices.

shadier

Informal, suggests suspicious or illegal activity.

not the most ethical

Highlights concerns about moral principles and conduct.

FAQs

How can I use "less reputable" in a sentence?

You can use "less reputable" to describe entities or sources that lack credibility or have a poor standing. For instance, "The investigation revealed that the data came from a "less reputable" source."

What are some alternatives to "less reputable"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "less trustworthy", "less credible", or "of dubious character". The most suitable alternative will depend on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "less reputable" or "disreputable"?

"Less reputable" implies a lower degree of positive reputation compared to others, while "disreputable" suggests a more significant lack of reputation and can imply active wrongdoing. Use "disreputable" when the subject's poor reputation is well-established and substantial.

When is it inappropriate to use "less reputable"?

Avoid using "less reputable" if you lack concrete evidence to support the claim. It's best to offer specific reasons for the assessment, such as citing instances of misconduct or unreliability. Also, it can be inappropriate in very formal writing where a more neutral term is required.