dishonorable

American  

[dis-on-er-uh-buhl] / dɪsˈɒn ər ə bəl /

especially British, dishonourable

adjective

1. showing lack of honor or integrity; ignoble; base; disgraceful; shameful.

   Cheating is dishonorable.

   Synonyms:

   false, shameless

2. having no honor or good repute; unprincipled; disreputable.

   a dishonorable man.

   Synonyms:

   ignominious, scandalous, disgraceful, unscrupulous, infamous

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Other Word Forms

• dishonorableness noun
• dishonorably adverb

Etymology

Origin of dishonorable

First recorded in 1525–35; dis- ¹ + honorable

Example Sentences

Article 133 covers dishonorable conduct, while Article 134 is the catchall provision criminalizing conduct that is harmful to good order and discipline or brings discredit on the armed forces.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 5, 2026

He was sentenced to time served and agreed to be administratively separated, essentially fired from the Marine Corps without a dishonorable discharge.

From Seattle Times • Apr. 13, 2024

When Texas officials learned of the warrants, they took Ceja into custody, and the deputy resigned and was given a dishonorable discharge, according to the sheriff’s office.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 16, 2023

Retired U.S. officers told the Times of their surprise that a soldier planned and took such a life-changing action to avoid a punishment unlikely to be sterner than dishonorable discharge.

From Washington Times • Jul. 19, 2023

Unwilling as she was to admit an idea so destructive of Jane’s happiness, and so dishonorable to the stability of her lover, she could not prevent its frequently occurring.

From "Pride and Prejudice" by Jane Austen