What does disreputably mean?
Disreputably is an adverb describing actions or conditions that damage, betray, or fall short of a good reputation. Its most common sense applies to conduct: someone who behaves disreputably acts in a way that is disgraceful, dishonorable, or morally questionable. A second, related sense describes things rather than people — a hotel may look disreputably shabby, or an item may be sold at a disreputably low price — suggesting a seediness or dubiousness of character. The word derives from 'repute,' ultimately from Latin reputare, 'to reckon or think over,' so etymologically it concerns what people think and say of you. Formal and somewhat literary in tone, it appears more often in journalism and fiction than in conversation, where plainer words like 'shamefully' might serve. It carries unambiguously negative connotations, though its use with prices or places can lend a wry, understated humor.
In a manner that harms or betrays a good reputation; disgracefully.
"He had acted disreputably, borrowing money he never intended to repay."
Typical of formal writing and narrative prose.
So as to suggest a lack of respectability; in a seedy or dubious fashion.
"The bar was disreputably dim, lit by a single flickering bulb."
Built from the Latin root for 'reckoning' — your reputation was literally what people counted up about you.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of disreputably
Disreputably is formed from the adjective 'disreputable' plus the adverbial suffix '-ly.' The adjective combines the prefix 'dis-' (expressing reversal or negation) with 'reputable,' from 'repute,' which entered English via Old French from Latin reputare, meaning 'to reckon over, reflect upon' — from re- ('again') and putare ('to reckon or consider'). Cognates include 'compute,' 'deputy,' 'amputation' family words, and 'impute,' all descending from putare. The negative sense of having a bad reputation developed in English during the early modern period.
Related word forms
How disreputably is actually used
Formal to literary in register; rare in everyday speech. When applied to behavior it carries strong moral censure; when applied to places or things (as in 'disreputably cheap'), it can be mildly humorous or understated rather than condemnatory.
Easily confused with disreputably
'Irretrievably' means in a way that cannot be recovered or undone, while 'disreputably' means in a shameful or disgraceful manner.
'Respectfully' means with courtesy and deference — nearly the opposite of the disrespectful connotation sometimes carried by 'disreputably'.