unblemished

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "unblemished" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is flawless, perfect, or without any marks or imperfections. Example: "Her reputation remained unblemished despite the controversy surrounding the event."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This man appears to have taken considerable measures to leave his victims unblemished.

The Guardian

Howard Stringer, the former head of Sony, said last year that Klein's "integrity is unquestioned and his track record unblemished".

The Guardian

His contract runs to the end of that tournament, for which England are well placed to qualify given they boast an unblemished record at the top of Group E going into next month's game against second-placed Slovenia.

The Guardian - Sport

Exxon cannot claim an unblemished record.

The Guardian - Business

To live in a city is to live in a teeming, hectic present amidst the burnished memories and unblemished hopes of millions of other citizens.

The Economist

Georg Fahrenschon of the German Savings Banks Association says that even those with unblemished records feel as if they have "one foot in prison".

The Economist

The unblemished bit, 86% of the total, was poised to reopen, at least partially, on December 6th.

The Economist

Though the Indians claim (inaccurately) an unblemished record in recent years in preventing the leakage of weapons secrets, their first bomb for that is what it was was knocked together using technologies and materials provided for civilian use.

The Economist

But when India, a democratic country with an unblemished record of non-aggression stretching back several centuries, tests nuclear devices, the world is appalled.

The Economist

Better, then, to start with a clean sheet at BHAC, which will handle only municipal business and plans to charge a premium for use of its unblemished AAA-rating.

The Economist

Nor is the record of even the biggest firms unblemished.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "unblemished" to describe something that is not only free from physical marks but also morally pure or untainted, enhancing the impact of your writing.

Common error

While "unblemished" is a powerful adjective, avoid using it in overly casual or informal settings where simpler words like "flawless" or "perfect" would be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The adjective "unblemished" primarily functions to describe a noun as being without flaws, marks, or imperfections. Ludwig's examples showcase its use in describing both physical objects and abstract concepts like reputations or records, reinforcing its descriptive function.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Encyclopedias

17%

Independent

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Science

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "unblemished" is an adjective that describes something free from flaws or imperfections, carrying a nuance of purity and perfection. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for use in various contexts, though it leans towards neutral and formal registers. It is frequently found in news media and encyclopedic entries, used to highlight the pristine quality of both physical objects and abstract concepts. When you need to emphasize the perfect condition or moral purity of something, "unblemished" is a strong and appropriate choice. Alternatives such as "flawless" or "immaculate" can be used depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

flawless

Direct synonym, emphasizing the absence of any imperfections.

immaculate

Highlights a state of perfect cleanliness and freedom from stains or blemishes.

spotless

Emphasizes the absence of any marks or stains.

perfect

A general term indicating the highest degree of quality or faultlessness.

pristine

Suggests an original and pure state, untouched by anything that could damage or spoil it.

untarnished

Implies that something has retained its original luster and has not been corrupted or damaged.

without blemish

A more literal and descriptive alternative, emphasizing the absence of any flaws.

in perfect condition

Focuses on the state of something, highlighting that it is free from damage or wear.

exemplary

Describes something that serves as a perfect example, highlighting its high quality.

irreproachable

Indicates that someone or something is beyond criticism and entirely blameless.

FAQs

How can I use "unblemished" in a sentence?

You can use "unblemished" to describe something that is perfect, flawless, or without any marks or imperfections. For example, "The antique table had an "unblemished" surface after being restored."

What are some synonyms for "unblemished"?

Alternatives to "unblemished" include "flawless", "immaculate", "spotless", and "pristine". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say someone has an "unblemished record"?

Yes, saying someone has an "unblemished record" means they have a history without any mistakes, failures, or wrongdoing. It's a common and acceptable usage, as demonstrated in examples such as, "Pc Scarlett had previously served in the police force for an "unblemished" eight years."

What is the difference between "unblemished" and "flawless"?

"Unblemished" typically refers to something that is free from physical marks or imperfections, while "flawless" can apply more broadly to anything that is perfect and without fault, whether physical or abstract. Though similar, "flawless" might be a better option when referring to an abstract or non-physical concept.