adjective

dishonorable

dis-AH-nur-uh-bul/dɪsˈɑnərəbl/

Deserving loss of respect because of shameful or unethical behavior.

Hiding an extra card under the table is dishonorable cheating.

A player secretly hiding an extra playing card under the table during a game while others cannot see, no lettering or numbers on cards, shameful cheating behavior clear.

Etymology

The positive base describes someone or something worthy of respect. Reversing it describes conduct that stains character or lessens reputation, connecting public shame with a judgment that someone lacks integrity.

In context

ANU TV40:56

could it be that in these parts of the world it is regarded as dishonorable to kill an enemy in a manner that involves no risk to the killer

Predators, Reapers and post-heroic war - Professor Christian Enemark

More examples

Taking credit for someone else's work is dishonorable.
She refuses to use dishonorable tactics to win customers.
His dishonorable conduct costs him the respect of his teammates.

Forms

dishonorable · more dishonorable · most dishonorable

dishonor noun — Loss of respect caused by shameful conduct.

dishonorably adverb — In a shameful or unethical manner.

Similar words

unethical: Emphasizes violating moral or professional standards rather than losing respect.
disgraceful: Emphasizes the shame and strong disapproval that behavior deserves.
dishonest: Specifically involves lying or deception, rather than misconduct generally.