adjective

disreputable

dis-REP-yuh-tuh-bul/dɪsˈrepjətəbl/

Having a bad reputation.

The neighbors avoid the disreputable repair shop after its owner conceals a damaged part.

Two neighbors avoid a shabby dishonest-looking repair shop after the owner is caught hiding a damaged part behind his back, suspicious glances convey bad standing; no words or signs.

Etymology

disEnglishnot

+reputEnglishreputation

+ableEnglishcapable of being

Repute concerns how someone is regarded, and reputable came to mean “held in esteem.” Dis- reverses that favorable judgment: a disreputable person or activity is viewed as dishonorable or unrespectable.

In context

Storytime Haven55:23

Barney Snaith looked even more disreputable than usual just now. It was very evident that he hadn’t shaved for days, and his hands and arms, bare to the shoulders, were black with grease.

📖 The Blue Castle by L. M. Montgomery | A Tale of Love & Freedom 💙✨

More examples

The charity cuts ties with its disreputable founder.
Several disreputable companies promise instant cures.
The hotel was once a disreputable place, but new owners restored its reputation.

Forms

disreputable · more disreputable · most disreputable

disrepute noun — A state of having a bad reputation.

Similar words

notorious: Means widely known for something bad, not merely poorly regarded.
shady: Suggests suspicious or dishonest behavior rather than an established reputation.