less than reputable

USAGE SUMMARY

"less than reputable" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe something that is not especially well-respected or trustworthy. Example sentence: I wouldn't trust that shop - it has a less than reputable reputation.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

Tells about the new popularity of Pre-Columbian art & how art dealers meet the demand with less than reputable tactics.

The New Yorker

And while there are many good companies in that line of business, there are some that are less than reputable.

The New York Times

There are reports of some less than reputable clinics that open and close sporadically and have promised miracle cures.

The New York Times - Style

And yet, as reporters and late-night hosts were quick to point out, there are some less than reputable members still in its ranks.

The New Yorker

Google quickly realized that the system was not as well-guarded against those who would leverage the link-posting capability for less than reputable purposes.

TechCrunch

This less than reputable class of realtor tends to occupy a large cross-section of the profession's population.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

And they go to a somewhat less-than-reputable clinician, and Lyme disease becomes the explanation for all of their ailments and complaints.

The New York Times

Based on the novel "Jakob von Gunten" by the Swiss writer Robert Walser, the film stars Mark Rylance as a man who tries to escape from his life -- and himself -- by enrolling in a less-than-reputable school for servants.

The New York Times

Using less-than-reputable social network sites.

Forbes

There have long been small, often less-than-reputable outfits that buy distressed homes for cash.

Forbes

If that's not good enough, many less-than-reputable hacking groups also offer to write custom scripts.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "less than reputable", ensure the context clearly indicates the specific aspect of the subject's reputation that is questionable. Provide supporting evidence or context to strengthen your claim.

Common error

Avoid using "less than reputable" when the subject's reputation is demonstrably terrible; stronger language would be more appropriate. For example, using "dishonest" or "untrustworthy" might be more fitting if there is clear evidence of wrongdoing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less than reputable" functions as a pre-modifying adjective phrase, qualifying a noun by indicating that it does not have a good reputation. Ludwig AI confirms that it's correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

17%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "less than reputable" is a grammatically correct and usable adjective phrase indicating that someone or something does not have a good reputation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for describing entities that are not entirely trustworthy. While not extremely common, it appears frequently in news and media, wiki entries, and formal business contexts. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by providing supporting context. Consider using alternatives such as "not entirely trustworthy" or "of questionable character" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

with a doubtful reputation

Replaces 'less than reputable' with 'doubtful reputation', keeping the meaning nearly identical.

not entirely trustworthy

This alternative uses different wording to express a similar sentiment of lacking full trustworthiness.

not completely reliable

Focuses on the lack of reliability or dependability.

of questionable character

This alternative focuses on the character aspect, implying a moral or ethical deficiency.

of dubious standing

Expresses uncertainty about the entity's position or respectability.

with a tarnished image

This phrase uses a metaphor to suggest that the reputation has been damaged.

not above suspicion

This implies that the subject is potentially involved in wrongdoing, lacking credibility.

not beyond reproach

This suggests that criticism or blame could be legitimately directed at the subject.

ethically compromised

Highlights potential ethical breaches, affecting trustworthiness.

having a shady background

Implies hidden, potentially illicit activities in the past.

FAQs

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

You can use "less than reputable" to describe someone or something that doesn't have a good reputation. For example: "The company has a "less than reputable" history of customer service."

What are some alternatives to "less than reputable"?

Alternatives include "questionable character", "dubious standing", or "not entirely trustworthy".

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

"Less than reputable" is generally milder than "disreputable". "Disreputable" suggests a firmly established bad reputation, while "less than reputable" implies a more uncertain or emerging negative perception.

What's the difference between "less than reputable" and "not reputable"?

"Less than reputable" softens the statement compared to "not reputable". "Not reputable" is a more direct denial of a good reputation, while "less than reputable" suggests a slightly negative or questionable status.