disreputable

/dis'repjutəbl/

Thân thiện

A man in a disreputable coat stands on the street corner.

Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Lacking respectability in character, behavior, or appearance: Describes a person, organization, or thing that is not considered respectable or honorable by society. It implies a loss of or failure to achieve a good reputation.

Usage

• The adjective "disreputable" is used to describe someone or something that has a bad reputation or appears untrustworthy.
• It is often used in formal or serious contexts to express disapproval.
• It can describe a person's character, their actions, or the appearance of a place or business.

Examples

• Describing a person's character:
  • He was involved with disreputable characters and soon found himself in trouble.
• Describing a business or establishment:
  • The hotel looked rather disreputable from the outside, so we decided not to stay there.
• Describing behavior or associations:
  • The politician resigned after the newspaper revealed his disreputable past.

Advanced Usage

• "of disreputable character": A formal phrase emphasizing a person's lack of moral standing.
  • The witness was dismissed by the court as a man of disreputable character.
• Used to imply that something is not merely different, but socially or morally questionable.
  • The funding for the project came from a disreputable source.

Variants and Related Words

• Disrepute (noun): The state of being held in low esteem; dishonor.
  • The scandal brought the entire company into disrepute.
• Reputable (adjective): Having a good reputation; respected. (This is the direct antonym of "disreputable").
  • Always buy from a reputable dealer.

Synonyms

• Discreditable: Damaging to one's reputation.
• Notorious: Famous or well-known, typically for some bad quality or deed. (Often stronger than "disreputable").
• Shady: Of dubious character, not entirely honest or legal. (More informal).

Antonyms

• Reputable: Having a good reputation.
• Respectable: Regarded by society as being proper, correct, and good.
• Honorable: Deserving respect and admiration.

Idioms and Phrases

• While there is no common idiom using the exact word "disreputable," the concept is central to phrases like:
  • "A blot on one's escutcheon": A stain on one's reputation or honor. (Formal/archaic).
  • "Tarred with the same brush": Considered to have the same faults as someone else who is disreputable.

Học thuật

Adjective

1. lacking respectability in character or behavior or appearance