What does disreputable mean?
Disreputable is an adjective used to describe someone or something that has a bad reputation — that is, whose character, conduct, or condition causes others to lose trust or respect. Applied to a person, it suggests dishonesty, immorality, or a history of scandal: 'a disreputable businessman.' Applied to a place or establishment, it conveys seediness or an association with illicit activity, as in 'a disreputable bar on the edge of town.' The word derives from the Latin root putare ('to think or reckon'), the same root underlying 'repute,' 'reputation,' and its opposite 'reputable.' In tone it leans formal and is especially at home in journalism and narrative prose, where it often colors descriptions of shady dealings, rundown neighborhoods, or figures of dubious standing. Its antonyms include reputable, respectable, and honorable.
adjectiveHaving a bad reputation; not respected or trusted by society. It describes people, places, or things considered morally questionable, shabby, or disgraceful.
- (Of a person) Having a bad reputation; regarded as dishonest or immoral.
- (Of a place or thing) Seedy, run-down, or associated with discreditable activity.
"The journalist spent years investigating the city's most disreputable gambling dens."
"He was dismissed after associating with disreputable businessmen."
"They stayed in a cheap hotel in one of the city's more disreputable districts."
The word 'reputation' and 'disreputable' share the same Latin root — so when you call someone disreputable, you're literally saying their 'reckoning' (what is thought of them) has gone bad.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of disreputable
Disreputable entered English in the early 18th century, formed from the prefix 'dis-' (indicating reversal or negation) attached to 'reputable.' Both words trace back to Latin reputare, meaning 'to reckon or think over repeatedly,' from re- ('again') plus putare ('to think, consider'). The same root gave English 'repute,' 'reputation,' 'compute,' and 'depute,' all carrying the core sense of mental reckoning.
Related word forms
How disreputable is actually used
Disreputable carries a strong negative connotation and is somewhat formal in register, common in journalism and literary writing. When applied to people it implies a damaged moral standing; when applied to places it suggests squalor or shady goings-on.
Easily confused with disreputable
'Disrespectful' means showing a lack of respect toward someone, while 'disreputable' means having or deserving a bad reputation oneself.