reprobate

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "reprobate" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to describe an unprincipled, wicked, or immoral person. For example: "The criminal was a known reprobate, with a long history of breaking the law."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Managers had to watch carefully for reprobate employees using "parallel paths" (the telephone, for instance, or a walk to a store) to order supplies, say, or arrange travel.

The Economist

At the same time, he was one of the most reprobate figures in the history of British art-dealing.He was a gallery-owner who rarely if ever paid his artists, who consorted with rent boys a gay man, he was promiscuous when sex between men was still a crime and who went to jail for heroin possession.

The Economist

Rather a reprobate than a Republican, voters in his district reckon.In this section Who will tame the taxman?

The Economist

Holding that Christ's salvation was limited and that his power of redemption extended only to the elect, Gottschalk taught that the elect went to eternal glory and the reprobate went to damnation.

Encyclopedia Britannica

As singers pilloried the popular press, celebrated adultery, mocked Conservative middle class and the supporters of capital punishment, and as a reprobate priest and jiving dancers lampooned an aristocrat's funeral, the gales of protest from the audience almost equalled the sound from the stage.

Independent

But the interest developed as the reprobate was brought in for questioning – he vulnerable, if infuriating, the officers solicitous, wearily patient, checking whether he'd eaten and had his methadone.

Independent

Megumi Igarashi - who works under the alias Rokude Nashiko which translates as "good-for-nothing kid" or "reprobate child", was arrested last year after building a kayak shaped like her vagina and for emailing plans of the boat, which included pictures of her scanned genitalia, to others.

Independent

Alas, the Catalyst Theatre never attempt a parody as weak as this in their drab recounting of Poe's life among the ladies he loved, the booze he drank and the rivalry he forged with that lying reprobate, Rufus Griswold, his editor and peeved critic.

Independent

This revelation is just one of the many ways that The Beast, as Crowley refers to himself in the novel, emerges as a playful, narcissistic reprobate.

Independent

Set to reprise Captain Jack Sparrow a fifth time in 2015, he confesses it's been tough shaking off the reprobate pirate: "That's one of the problems.

Independent

I can only surmise that Lindz had decided that Canyons is part of a reprobate past she must put behind her in order to move forward".

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "reprobate", ensure the context clearly indicates whether you are using it as a noun, adjective, or verb to avoid ambiguity. Consider synonyms if a more specific descriptor is needed.

Common error

Avoid using "reprobate" solely as a synonym for 'bad' or 'immoral' without understanding its historical theological meaning related to predestination and divine rejection. Choose a more appropriate term if the theological nuance is not intended.

Linguistic Context

The word "reprobate" functions as a versatile term, acting as a noun to describe a morally corrupt individual, an adjective to characterize something wicked, and a verb to express strong disapproval. This is confirmed by Ludwig's examples which showcases diverse applications.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

74%

Encyclopedias

5%

Science

21%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "reprobate" is a multifaceted term that functions as a noun, adjective, and verb to convey a strong sense of moral disapproval and condemnation. As stated by Ludwig AI, the word is correct and can be used in written English, typically describing an unprincipled, wicked, or immoral person. The analysis of the examples reveals its common usage in news and media contexts, along with theological or philosophical discussions. While versatile, it's essential to use "reprobate" carefully, understanding its implications and choosing it deliberately to convey the intended depth of moral disapproval. Consider using alternatives such as "degenerate" or "scoundrel" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unprincipled person

Directly states the lack of moral principles.

immoral character

Highlights the lack of moral virtue in a person's nature.

degenerate

Focuses on moral decline or corruption.

depraved soul

Suggests a deep level of moral corruption.

dissolute

Conveys a sense of unrestrained and immoral behavior.

scoundrel

Emphasizes dishonesty and untrustworthiness.

sinful individual

Emphasizes the religious aspect of wrongdoing.

outcast

Highlights being rejected or excluded by society.

ne'er-do-well

Implies a lack of ambition and a failure to achieve success.

black sheep

Indicates a member of a group who is considered disreputable or unconventional.

FAQs

How can I use "reprobate" in a sentence?

You can use "reprobate" as a noun to refer to a morally unprincipled person, as an adjective to describe someone or something characterized by wickedness, or as a verb meaning to condemn or disapprove of something strongly. For instance, "He was a known "reprobate"", "His "reprobate" behavior shocked everyone", or "The council "reprobated" the proposed policy".

What words can I use instead of "reprobate"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "degenerate", "scoundrel", "outcast", or "unprincipled person".

Is there a difference between "reprobate" and "depraved"?

"Reprobate" often carries a stronger connotation of being morally abandoned or rejected, sometimes with theological implications, while "depraved" simply means morally corrupt or wicked. A "reprobate" might be considered beyond redemption, whereas someone "depraved" might still have a chance for moral recovery.

When is it appropriate to use "reprobate" in writing?

Use "reprobate" when you want to convey a strong sense of moral disapproval or condemnation, often implying that someone is irredeemably wicked or has been rejected by society or a higher power. Be mindful of its theological implications and ensure it aligns with the intended meaning; otherwise, consider alternatives like "immoral" or "unethical".