black mark
Definition
Noun: A "black mark" is a symbol or record of disapproval, failure, or discredit associated with a person's name, reputation, or record. It indicates something negative that tarnishes one's standing.
Usage Examples
- (A negative notation indicating poor performance or misconduct.)
- (A lasting stain on his good name.)
- (A point of criticism or failure.)
Advanced Usage
"to earn a black mark": to do something that results in disapproval or discredit.
- He earned a black mark by arriving late to every meeting. (He gained a negative reputation for being unreliable.)
"to remove a black mark": to take action to restore one's good name or record.
- She volunteered for extra work to remove the black mark from her file. (She tried to erase the negative impression.)
Variants and Related Words
- Blacklist (n): a list of people or groups who are disapproved of or punished.
- The company put him on a blacklist after the fraud incident. (A formal record of exclusion.)
- Stain (n): a blemish on one's character or reputation.
- The accusation was a stain on his honor. (A metaphorical mark of shame.)
Synonyms
- Blemish: a mark that spoils the appearance or quality of something.
- Stigma: a mark of disgrace associated with a particular circumstance, quality, or person.
- Blot: a shameful act or quality that spoils an otherwise good record.
Related Idioms
- "a blot on one's escutcheon": a stain on one's reputation or family honor.
- The bankruptcy was a blot on his escutcheon. (A lasting disgrace.)
- "a skeleton in the closet": a hidden shameful secret.
- His past crime was a skeleton in the closet that could become a black mark. (A hidden disgrace.)
Phrasal Verbs
- Mark down: to note something as a negative or failure.
- The teacher marked down the student for incomplete work. (Recorded a demerit or penalty.)