WordGarden.iodiscreditable
A2Pronunciation
UK
- /dɪskrˈɛdɪtəbəl/
US
- /dɪskrˈɛdɪtəbəl/
Meanings
Adjective
bringing shame or loss of reputation
Beyond the definition
Something discreditable is behavior or an action that harms someone's good name or damages their reputation. It's more than just a mistake; it's something that would make people think less of you. Think of a politician caught in a scandal—their actions are likely to be described as discreditable. A student cheating on an exam commits a discreditable act, damaging not only their grade but also how others see their honesty. It implies a loss of trust or respect. You wouldn't want your actions to be considered discreditable!
The word "discreditable" describes something that brings shame or loss of respect by damaging a person's reputation, honor, or standing. It goes beyond simply being wrong or inappropriate; a discreditable act actively undermines trust and respect.
Think of it as an action that would cause people to lose faith in your character. A business owner engaging in deceptive practices is acting in a discreditable manner. Similarly, spreading false rumors about someone could be considered discreditable behavior. It's often used in contexts involving professional conduct or public image. For example, a lawyer might be disbarred for discreditable conduct, meaning their actions were deemed unethical and damaging to the legal profession.
The root of "discreditable" lies in "credit" – meaning belief or trust. To make something discreditable is to remove that credit, to cast doubt on someone's integrity. It's a strong word often used when discussing serious breaches of ethics or standards.
So, if an action would bring shame, dishonor, or loss of respect, it can be described as discreditable – something you definitely want to avoid!
Examples
- 1
Official conduct
The inquiry described the official's conduct as discreditable.
- 2
Charity finances
Several discreditable details about the charity's finances came out during the trial.
- 3
Sportsmanship
It was a discreditable performance from a team that had promised to play fair.
- 4
Journalism
Many readers thought it was discreditable for the paper to print the rumor without checking it first.
- Patternit is discreditable for someone to do X
used to judge an action as unacceptable or shameful
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
Contrast
Used with (collocations)
- discreditable conduct
- discreditable behavior
- discreditable incident
Word family
Explore
- reputation
- professional misconduct
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- discreditableadjective