disreputable

[ dis-rep-yuh-tuh-buhl ]

adjective

1. not reputable; having a bad reputation:

   a disreputable barroom.

2. discreditable; dishonorable.

   Synonyms: shameful, louche, low, objectionable, unprincipled, ignoble, disgraceful

3. shabby or shoddy; of poor quality or condition:

   disreputable clothes.

disreputable

/ dɪsˈrɛpjʊtəbəl /

adjective

1. having or causing a lack of repute
2. disordered in appearance

Derived Forms

• disˌreputaˈbility, noun
• disˈreputably, adverb

Other Words From

• dis·repu·ta·bili·ty dis·repu·ta·ble·ness noun
• dis·repu·ta·bly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of disreputable¹

First recorded in 1765–75; dis- ¹ + reputable

Example Sentences

While declining to delve into “certain details,” the Grammy-winning songstress said, “It definitely doesn’t get any easier, seeing some of the negativity that was birthed by disreputable tabloids.”

From Los Angeles Times

How rosé wine is perceived and enjoyed today is, in a sense, a direct result of this long and ever so slightly disreputable history.

From Salon

This was most blatant with the woman who alleged the affair that resulted in the illegal hush money scheme, Stormy Daniels, with Trump attorney Susan Necheles using every disreputable trope in the “he-said, she-said” book to try to shame and tarnish Daniels.

From Slate

Fundamentally, it’s part of a disreputable campaign to demonize responsible scientists such as Anthony Fauci, who retired in 2022 as director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases and was one of the most respected virologists and public health professionals in the world.

From Los Angeles Times

He would also be barred from associating with disreputable people, and if he committed any additional crimes, he could be jailed immediately.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• contemptible
• despicable
• shady
• shameful
• sordid
• vile