tarnished reputation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "tarnished reputation" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It is typically used to describe someone or something that has experienced damage to their public image or credibility. Example: The scandal surrounding the company's CEO has led to a tarnished reputation and a sharp decline in stock prices.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But whether it happens or not, critics said, FIFA's already tarnished reputation — and the tarnished reputation of the association's embattled leader — gained nothing in the process.

Vice

"Pollsters restore tarnished reputation", reported the Guardian.

The Economist

The flaws include relatively weak capital reserves, excessive dependence on investment banking and a tarnished reputation.

The New York Times

The perception could be as damaging as the reality, given the I.O.C.'s tarnished reputation.

The New York Times - Sports

The market turned them down, so they took it on themselves to restore jelly's tarnished reputation.

The New York Times

I hope the Metropolitan police's now tarnished reputation will be restored.

The Guardian - Opinion

Critical Path executives acknowledged that they must win back Wall Street to improve a tarnished reputation.

The New York Times

This is blatant bullying by the Met, further eroding their already tarnished reputation.

The Guardian

Meanwhile, Lords grandees are beginning the task of rebuilding a tarnished reputation.

The Guardian

The incidents have cast a pall over the government and have hastened efforts to polish the city's tarnished reputation.

The New York Times

In fact, the whole volume won't do much for Capote's already tarnished reputation as a truth-teller.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing a "tarnished reputation", be specific about the cause of the damage and its consequences. Provide context to explain the severity and impact of the tarnishment.

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the extent of the damage to the reputation. Using stronger terms like "destroyed reputation" might be inaccurate if the reputation is only partially affected. Choose words that accurately reflect the situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "tarnished reputation" primarily functions as a noun phrase, where "tarnished" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "reputation". It describes the state of someone or something whose good name has been damaged. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Science

4%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "tarnished reputation" is a commonly used and grammatically correct way to describe a damaged public image. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and wide usage. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, the phrase serves to criticize or express concern about a decline in someone's or something's standing. While interchangeable with similar phrases like "damaged reputation" or "blemished reputation", the specific choice depends on the nuance one wishes to convey. When using "tarnished reputation", it is important to provide context and avoid exaggeration to accurately reflect the extent of the damage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

damaged reputation

Emphasizes the act of causing harm to the reputation.

blemished reputation

Suggests a flaw or imperfection in the reputation.

stained reputation

Implies a lasting mark or disgrace on the reputation.

compromised reputation

Indicates the reputation has been weakened or put at risk.

discredited reputation

Suggests the reputation has lost credibility or authority.

sullied reputation

Implies the reputation has been dirtied or defiled.

tainted reputation

Suggests a hint of corruption or impurity in the reputation.

ruined reputation

Indicates complete destruction of the reputation.

impaired reputation

Emphasizes the reduction in quality or effectiveness of the reputation.

smirched reputation

Suggests the reputation has been slightly dirtied or tarnished.

FAQs

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

You can use "tarnished reputation" to describe someone or something whose image or credibility has been damaged. For example: "The scandal surrounding the CEO led to a "tarnished reputation" for the company."

What's the difference between "tarnished reputation" and "damaged reputation"?

While both phrases suggest harm to one's image, "tarnished reputation" often implies a less severe or more recoverable form of damage compared to "damaged reputation", which can indicate more extensive or permanent harm.

What are some synonyms for "tarnished reputation"?

Alternatives include "blemished reputation", "stained reputation", or "compromised reputation", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it possible to recover from a "tarnished reputation"?

Yes, it is possible. Recovery often requires addressing the issues that caused the damage, taking responsibility, and demonstrating a commitment to positive change. The extent of recovery depends on the severity of the initial damage and the effectiveness of the restorative efforts.