What does disreputation mean?
Disreputation refers to a state of being widely regarded as disreputable or untrustworthy. It can result from various factors, such as scandal, misconduct, or poor performance. When someone or something falls into disreputation, they lose the respect and trust of others, making it challenging to regain their confidence. Disreputation can have severe consequences, including loss of business, damage to relationships, and diminished credibility. Understanding disreputation is essential in various contexts, including business, politics, and social interactions, as it can significantly impact one's reputation and success.
nounA state of being widely regarded as disreputable or untrustworthy; loss of reputation.
- A state of being widely regarded as disreputable or untrustworthy
- Loss of reputation
"The company's disreputation grew after the scandal was made public."
"The politician's disreputation led to his defeat in the election."
"The company's disreputation made it difficult to attract new customers."
Countable; used when referring to multiple instances of disreputation.
"The politician's multiple scandals led to several disreputations throughout his career."
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of disreputation
Disreputation originated from the Latin words 'dis-' meaning 'opposite of' and 'reputatio' meaning 'reputation'. The term has been used in English since the 15th century to describe a state of being widely regarded as disreputable or untrustworthy. Cognates include 'disreputable' and 'discredit'.
Usage notes
Formal or literary; often used in contexts where a person's or organization's reputation has been damaged.