disreputable

[ dis-rep-yuh-tuh-buhl ]

adjective

1. not reputable; having a bad reputation:

   a disreputable barroom.

2. discreditable; dishonorable.

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

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

• disˈreputably, adverb
• disˌreputaˈbility, noun

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

Acting was still a disreputable profession, but respectable Nelly is reluctant to become his kept woman.

From The Daily Beast

The program was called “disreputable if not outright illegal” by some NSA officials and was ultimately shut down in 1973.

From The Daily Beast

So far, so disreputable, especially if you bought into Assange's rock-star status.

From The Daily Beast

In 1972, as a young director, he saw his first film released to a handful of disreputable theaters.

From The Daily Beast

Or must they have been pushed, perhaps by her disreputable boyfriend or even a deranged stranger?

From The Daily Beast

With horror she had heard her brother addressed by a disreputable costermonger in a mangy fur cap, as "Old pal."

From Project Gutenberg

Indeed it took nearly a couple of years to weed out the disreputable members of this body.

From Project Gutenberg

He would form a circle of disreputable youths, for whose drinks Sogrange was called upon to pay.

From Project Gutenberg

Beside Clipperton was a disreputable little Mexican with gold rings in his ears.

From Project Gutenberg

Its latter days were dreary, down-at-heel, and disreputable enough.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

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