tarnished image

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "tarnished image" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a reputation or perception that has been damaged or negatively affected. Example: "The company's recent scandal has left it with a tarnished image in the eyes of the public."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

And a slightly tarnished image won't matter.

The New York Times - Arts

UBS needs to move on and repair its tarnished image.

The New York Times

It added: "Nasheed must know that militancy and chaos do little to repair his tarnished image".

Independent

rehabilitate the tarnished image of the leotardlike onesies of the 1980s.

The New York Times

This lot is now being squelched.At what cost to Iran's already tarnished image abroad?

The Economist

Reopening their places of study also helps polish Myanmar's tarnished image.

The Economist

The Persian Gulf War in 1991 also helped restore Mr. McCain's tarnished image.

The New York Times

Another is the tarnished image of President Jacob Zuma after seven years in power.

The Guardian - Opinion

Such actions can only further damage an already severely tarnished image of America.

The New York Times - Magazine

He believes that MFI's tarnished image is a thing of the past.

The Guardian - Business

The incident has further damaged the already tarnished image of British football in Europe".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "tarnished image" when referring to a specific aspect of someone's public persona, rather than their overall character. For example, "The politician's tarnished image after the controversy affected his approval ratings."

Common error

Avoid using "tarnished image" when the issue is about someone's core moral principles. "Tarnished image" refers to public perception, not inherent character flaws. If the issue is truly about a person's integrity, use phrases like "moral failing" or "lack of integrity".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "tarnished image" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. As seen in Ludwig, it describes a state of damaged or negatively affected reputation or public perception.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Formal & Business

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "tarnished image" is a noun phrase used to describe a damaged reputation or public perception. As indicated by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and very common, particularly in News & Media. When writing about reputational damage, ensure that "tarnished image" accurately reflects the impact of negative events on public perception rather than inherent character flaws. Alternatives like "damaged reputation", "blemished reputation", and "tainted reputation" offer nuanced variations depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

damaged reputation

Replaces "image" with "reputation", focusing on overall standing rather than perception.

blemished reputation

Substitutes "tarnished" with "blemished", indicating a flaw or imperfection.

tainted reputation

Replaces "tarnished" with "tainted", suggesting contamination or corruption.

discredited image

Emphasizes a loss of credibility rather than simple damage.

compromised reputation

Focuses on the idea that reputation is undermined or weakened.

sullied image

Replaces "tarnished" with "sullied", implying dirtiness or defilement.

damaged brand

Uses business terminology, replacing "image" with "brand", suitable for commercial contexts.

impaired standing

Replaces both "tarnished" and "image" with synonyms, shifting towards a more formal tone.

fallen from grace

An idiomatic expression suggesting a loss of favor or status.

under a cloud

An idiomatic expression indicating suspicion or disgrace.

FAQs

What does "tarnished image" mean?

A "tarnished image" refers to a reputation or public perception that has been damaged or negatively affected, often due to scandals, controversies, or poor performance. It suggests a loss of luster or appeal.

How can I use "tarnished image" in a sentence?

You can use "tarnished image" to describe the negative impact of events on someone or something's reputation. For example: "The scandal left the company with a "tarnished image"." or "The politician is trying to repair his "tarnished image" after the controversy".

What can I say instead of "tarnished image"?

You can use alternatives like "damaged reputation", "blemished reputation", or "tainted reputation" depending on the context.

How do you repair a "tarnished image"?

Repairing a "tarnished image" involves a combination of strategies, including public apologies, corrective actions, transparency, and consistent positive behavior over time. It often requires a sustained effort to rebuild trust and restore public confidence.