disrepute

American  

[dis-ri-pyoot] / ˌdɪs rɪˈpyut /

noun

1. bad repute; low regard; disfavor (usually preceded by in orinto ).

   Some literary theories have fallen into disrepute.

   Synonyms:

   disgrace, disfavor

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disrepute British  

/ ˌdɪsrɪˈpjuːt /

noun

1. a loss or lack of credit or repute

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Etymology

Origin of disrepute

First recorded in 1645–55; dis- ¹ + repute

Explanation

Disrepute is when a person or a group has a really bad reputation. A mean prank played by just a few football players, for example, might bring the entire team into disrepute. If you damage your reputation or dishonor your family in some way, you've fallen into disrepute. The noun is especially useful for describing the loss of esteem for a group, team, or organization: "The scandal sent the entire sport of kickboxing into disrepute." It stems from repute, the general opinion or reputation of something, which comes directly from the Latin word repute.

Example Sentences

"Without this court's intervention, there is a likelihood of grave injustice or the administration of justice being brought into disrepute," he ruled.

From Barron's • May 14, 2026

The UK's youngest council leader is facing a vote of no confidence after being accused of bringing the authority "into disrepute".

From BBC • Mar. 10, 2026

It had been examining whether the comments had brought the game into disrepute.

From BBC • Feb. 20, 2026

A CAF statement said the tactician was guilty of "unsporting conduct" and "bringing the game into disrepute" during the decider in Rabat on January 18, which Senegal won 1-0 after extra time.

From Barron's • Jan. 29, 2026

That kind of disrepute we would not care for.”

From "The Odyssey" by Homer