What does dishonour mean?
Dishonour refers to the loss of respect, good reputation, or moral standing — in short, disgrace. It can describe the state into which someone falls after acting shamefully, as when a soldier's betrayal brings dishonour on his regiment, or it can name the shameful act itself. As a verb, dishonour works in two main ways: to bring disgrace upon a person, family, or institution, and to break faith with an obligation — a bank may dishonour a cheque that cannot be paid, just as a person may dishonour a promise. The word carries a heavy, formal tone, rooted in older ideas of personal and family reputation where honour was a possession that could be won or lost. It remains common in literary, legal, and ceremonial language, and its American spelling is "dishonor." Understanding dishonour helps readers grasp centuries of writing about ethics, warfare, and social standing.
Loss of respect, reputation, or moral integrity; disgrace or shame.
"She regarded the lie as a lasting dishonour to her family's name."
Often used in phrases such as "bring dishonour on/upon" or "a matter of dishonour."
To bring shame or disgrace upon someone or something; alternatively, to fail to honour an obligation, agreement, or financial instrument.
"The bank chose to dishonour the cheque because the account had been closed."
The financial sense (e.g., dishonouring a cheque) is common in banking contexts.
The plural form exists but is relatively rare; the noun is usually used as an uncountable mass noun when referring to disgrace in general.
"The chronicle records the many dishonours suffered by the fallen king."
In medieval Japan and Europe alike, death was often considered preferable to dishonour — a word so weighty that entire codes of conduct, from bushido to chivalry, were built around avoiding it.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of dishonour
Dishonour derives from the Old French "dishonour" (from "des-" + "honneur"), which itself traces back through Latin "honos/honor," meaning esteem, dignity, or public office. The word entered Middle English in the medieval period alongside "honour," reflecting the era's deep concern with reputation and rank. Its Latin root also gave English "honest," "homage," and "honorary," all sharing the core idea of respect or worth. The American spelling "dishonor" follows Noah Webster's simplified orthography, which dropped the silent "u" found in many French-derived words.
Related word forms
How dishonour is actually used
"Dishonour" carries a strongly negative connotation and is more formal than everyday words like "shame" or "embarrassment". It appears most frequently in literary, historical, legal, and formal contexts. The spelling "dishonor" is standard in American English; "dishonour" is standard in British English and other varieties following British conventions.
Easily confused with dishonour
"Dishonour" is the British spelling while "dishonor" is the American spelling; they are the same word with identical meaning and pronunciation.
The prefix "dis-" is attached directly to "honour" without a hyphen; writing it as two separate words changes the meaning entirely.