disrepute

American  

[dis-ri-pyoot] / ˌdɪs rɪˈpjut /

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

A statement issued by Digwa's family apologised "for the pain and suffering the Nowak family has had to endure" and for bringing the Sikh community into "disrepute".

From BBC • Jun. 3, 2026

"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

At the time the EBU concluded a Russian entry would "bring the competition into disrepute" after it consulted widely among its membership.

From BBC • May 10, 2026

She admitted the allegations before the panel and accepted her behaviour amounted to conduct which may bring the profession into disrepute.

From BBC • Feb. 16, 2026

That kind of disrepute we would not care for.”

From "The Odyssey" by Homer