questionable reputation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "questionable reputation" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to suggest that someone has a reputation that is considered by some people to be questionable or questionable or worth questioning. For example: "The new CEO has a questionable reputation in the industry, so it's uncertain how much success he will have in this role."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

"I have a questionable reputation because I'm a bicycle rider.

The New York Times - Sports

Burr's questionable reputation has kept the price range under six figures.

The New York Times - Arts

Nonetheless, some of his finest portraits are those of his intimate friends and of fashionable women of questionable reputation.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Early in his tenure, he signed Charles Woodson, a cornerback with a questionable reputation who became a cornerstone and was last season's defensive player of the year.

The New York Times

Whatever questionable reputation the Bulgarians may have gained in the first phase of the new war, they have almost fully redeemed in its second phase.

The New York Times

She had acquired a questionable reputation around town by then, as he was now sick and demented, and she was seen as exploiting him.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

A file named "women with problems" contains news photographs of female trial witnesses, defendants, convicts and others with questionable reputations.

The New York Times - Travel

Many of the available jobs pay only the local minimum wage, around $200 a month before overtime, and many of the jobs are at small factories with questionable reputations for paying workers on time.

The New York Times

"Here we have a private intelligence firm, relying on informants from the US government, foreign intelligence agencies with questionable reputations and journalists," Wikileaks founder Julian Assange told Reuters news agency.

BBC

Was Baca somehow thinking that Antonio Villaraigosa's recently announced gig with Herbalife had given a new gloss to pitching for supplement companies with questionable reputations?

Los Angeles Times

WikiLeaks' founder, Julian Assange told Reuters: "Here we have a private intelligence firm, relying on informants from the US government, foreign intelligence agencies with questionable reputations, and journalists".

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "questionable reputation", ensure the context provides some indication of the source or basis for the questionable nature of the reputation. This adds credibility and prevents ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "questionable reputation" as a standalone judgment. Provide specific examples or reasons why the reputation is considered questionable, otherwise the statement lacks impact and may appear biased.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "questionable reputation" functions as a descriptive term, modifying a noun to indicate that the noun (typically a person, organization, or entity) has a reputation that is not entirely positive or trustworthy. Ludwig AI confirms it's a standard and usable expression.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Wiki

10%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "questionable reputation" is a commonly used and grammatically correct phrase in English. Ludwig AI confirms this. It functions as a descriptive term to express doubt or suspicion regarding someone's character or standing. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, it maintains a neutral register suitable for various professional settings. While conveying negativity or doubt, it's important to contextualize the expression with supporting evidence. Alternatives such as "uncertain reputation" or "shady reputation" offer nuanced variations, depending on the specific intent.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

uncertain reputation

Indicates a lack of clarity or established opinion about someone's reputation. Focuses on the ambiguity rather than negativity.

controversial reputation

Highlights that the reputation is marked by widespread disagreement or debate. Points to active dispute.

disreputable reputation

Implies a significantly negative reputation, suggesting that the person or entity is held in low esteem.

unreliable reputation

Suggests that the person or entity cannot be trusted or depended upon based on their past actions or behavior.

shady reputation

Indicates a reputation for being secretive, dishonest, or involved in illicit activities. Focuses on suspicion and lack of transparency.

problematic reputation

Highlights that the reputation presents difficulties or challenges, indicating issues that need to be addressed or overcome.

dodgy reputation

Informal term suggesting a reputation for being untrustworthy or of low quality.

equivocal reputation

Suggests ambiguity or uncertainty in the reputation, with mixed or contradictory opinions.

contentious reputation

Emphasizes that the reputation is likely to cause argument or disagreement.

doubtful reputation

Implies uncertainty or skepticism regarding the positive aspects of the reputation. Indicates a lack of confidence.

FAQs

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

You can use "questionable reputation" to describe someone or something whose character or actions are viewed with doubt or suspicion. For example, "The company gained a "questionable reputation" after several lawsuits."

What are some alternatives to "questionable reputation"?

Alternatives include "uncertain reputation", "controversial reputation", or "shady reputation", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

"Questionable reputation" suggests doubt or uncertainty about the reputation, while "bad reputation" implies a definitively negative perception. The best choice depends on the specific context and the degree of negativity you want to convey.

What contributes to someone having a "questionable reputation"?

Factors contributing to a "questionable reputation" can include unethical behavior, legal issues, inconsistent performance, or controversial statements.