poor reputation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "poor reputation" is correct and commonly used in written English.
You can use it to describe a person, company, or product that has a negative perception or image. Example: "The company's poor reputation for customer service led to a decline in sales."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The local police have a poor reputation.

The Economist

Does fast food deserve its poor reputation?

The Guardian

It just gives football a very, very poor reputation".

The New York Times - Sports

But utility firms have a poor reputation for openness.

The Economist

AFRICA has a poor reputation for scientific innovation.

The Economist

"We have a poor reputation nationally," Mr. Scott acknowledged.

The New York Times

Meanwhile, CFLs had begun to acquire a poor reputation.

The Economist

But Mr. Swallow was wary of payday lenders' poor reputation.

The New York Times

The debate Does fast food deserve its poor reputation?

The Guardian

Does it have a good or poor reputation for quality?

Harvard Business Review

PG&E's poor reputation looms over the report.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "poor reputation" when referring to a general negative perception. For specific instances of damage, consider phrases like "damaged reputation" or "tarnished image".

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the consequences of a "poor reputation". While it can certainly be detrimental, it's important to present a balanced view and not assume it's always a fatal flaw. Provide evidence rather than conjecture.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "poor reputation" functions as a noun phrase, where "poor" is an adjective modifying the noun "reputation". As Ludwig AI explains, this construction describes the state of having a negative public perception.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "poor reputation" is a very common and grammatically correct way to describe a negative public perception of someone or something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a versatile phrase applicable across a range of contexts, from news reports to academic analyses. When using "poor reputation", remember to provide specific details about the underlying reasons and to avoid overstating its impact. Consider alternative phrases like "bad reputation" or "tarnished image" for nuanced meaning. The prevalence of this phrase in authoritative sources such as The New York Times, The Economist, and The Guardian underscores its widespread usage and acceptance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

bad reputation

Direct synonym, emphasizing the negative aspect of the reputation.

weak reputation

Highlights the lack of strength or positive qualities in the reputation.

damaged reputation

Implies that the reputation was once better but has suffered harm.

tarnished image

Focuses on the visual or public perception aspect of the reputation.

negative standing

A more formal way of expressing a bad reputation, suitable for professional contexts.

low esteem

Emphasizes the lack of respect or positive regard associated with the subject.

discredited name

Highlights a loss of credibility or trustworthiness.

unfavorable public perception

A broader phrase describing the overall negative view held by the public.

ill repute

A more archaic and dramatic way of saying "poor reputation".

shady character

Implies untrustworthiness and moral ambiguity in reputation of an individual.

FAQs

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

You can use "poor reputation" to describe something or someone that is generally viewed negatively. For example, "The company's "poor reputation" made it difficult to attract new customers."

What are some synonyms for "poor reputation"?

Alternatives to "poor reputation" include "bad reputation", "weak reputation", or "tarnished image" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

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

Both "bad reputation" and "poor reputation" are acceptable. "Poor reputation" is slightly more formal, while "bad reputation" is more direct and commonly used in informal contexts. The best choice depends on the tone of your writing.

What factors contribute to a "poor reputation"?

Factors that lead to a "poor reputation" can include ethical lapses, poor customer service, inconsistent quality, or negative media coverage. Addressing these issues directly is crucial for improving one's standing.