repeat offender

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "repeat offender" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to someone who has been convicted of the same offense multiple times. For example, "The judge sentenced the repeat offender to 10 years in prison."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

Legal

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

UBS is a repeat offender.

The New York Times

But Lollapalooza is a repeat offender.

The Guardian - Music

Because it was a repeat offender.

The Guardian

Inside the thinking of a repeat offender.

The New York Times

In another field, he might be called a repeat offender.

The New York Times - Arts

Indeed, every referee in the league is a repeat offender.

The New York Times

"The entity is the repeat offender," Mr. Kass said.

The New York Times

Marchment's punishment reflects his status as a repeat offender.

The New York Times - Sports

He also gave new meaning to the term "repeat offender".

The New York Times

(Mays, as a repeat offender, was also fined $50,000).

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

He's a repeat offender--and as governor, no less.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "repeat offender" when referring to individuals or entities that have demonstrably committed similar offenses on multiple occasions. Ensure factual accuracy and avoid using the term without proper verification.

Common error

Avoid labeling someone a "repeat offender" based solely on suspicion or unproven allegations. The term implies a confirmed history of similar offenses.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "repeat offender" functions primarily as a noun phrase, typically used as a subject or object within a sentence. Ludwig examples show it describes individuals or entities with a history of repeated offenses. It directly identifies someone who has offended more than once.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Sports

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Science

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "repeat offender" is a commonly used noun phrase to describe someone who has committed similar offenses more than once. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for written English, as seen in numerous examples from reliable sources. Its use is prevalent in news reporting, legal contexts, and sports, indicating a neutral to professional register. When writing, ensure accuracy and avoid using the term without proper verification. Alternatives include "recidivist", "habitual criminal", and "chronic violator". This phrase effectively labels individuals or entities based on a history of repeated offenses.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

recidivist

Specifically refers to someone who relapses into criminal behavior.

habitual criminal

Emphasizes the ingrained nature of the criminal behavior.

chronic violator

Highlights the continuous and persistent nature of the violations.

persistent transgressor

Focuses on the repeated crossing of boundaries or rules.

serial offender

Suggests a pattern of offenses, often in a more serious context.

returning convict

Directly refers to someone who has been imprisoned and returns to crime.

multiple offender

Simply indicates that the person has committed multiple offenses.

career criminal

Implies that criminal activity is the person's primary occupation.

professional criminal

Similar to 'career criminal', suggesting a sophisticated level of criminal activity.

incorrigible individual

Emphasizes the inability to be reformed or corrected.

FAQs

What does "repeat offender" mean?

A "repeat offender" refers to an individual or entity that has committed similar offenses more than once. It's often used in legal and journalistic contexts to describe someone with a history of similar transgressions.

What can I say instead of "repeat offender"?

You can use alternatives like "recidivist", "habitual criminal", or "chronic violator" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "repeat offender" in formal writing?

Yes, "repeat offender" is appropriate in formal writing, especially in legal documents, news reports, and academic papers, as long as it's used accurately and without bias.

What's the difference between "repeat offender" and "first-time offender"?

"Repeat offender" describes someone with a history of similar offenses, while "first-time offender" refers to someone who is committing a particular offense for the first time. The distinction is important in legal proceedings and sentencing.