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

See Examples For:

disrepute

An honour such as a knighthood can be removed on the advice of a body known as the Forfeiture Committee if the holder is deemed to have brought the honours system into disrepute.

From BBC ● Jul. 23, 2026

The FA said it is "alleged that the head coach acted in an improper manner and/or brought the game into disrepute by directing and/or authorising the observation of training sessions" of these games.

From BBC ● Jul. 22, 2026

The family added that it "apologises to the Sikh community for our son's actions which have unfairly brought the community into disrepute" and asked that the "tragedy is not used to inflame division or hostility".

From BBC ● Jun. 2, 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

That kind of disrepute we would not care for.”

From "The Odyssey" by Homer