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

News at Ten presenter Huw Edwards and former Radio 1 DJ Tim Westwood brought the BBC into serious disrepute by their actions.

From BBC • Mar. 30, 2026

Towersey accepted his actions amounted to "unacceptable professional conduct" that could bring the profession into "disrepute".

From BBC • Mar. 12, 2026

They could yet lead England's governing Football Association to charge the 73-year-old Ratcliffe with bringing the game into disrepute.

From Barron's • Feb. 13, 2026

That kind of disrepute we would not care for.”

From "The Odyssey" by Homer