disrepute

Disrepute refers to the state or condition of being held in low esteem or public disfavor. It denotes a loss of reputation that is widely perceived as troubling or unacceptable, often beyond casual criticism. The term is generally used to describe how others assess a person, organization, or institution after conduct that violates expected standards of integrity, reliability, or ethics. Phrases such as fall into disrepute or bring into disrepute are commonly employed in formal discourse.

Disrepute is derived from repute, meaning opinion or standing, with the prefix dis- indicating negation. In English, disrepute is a formal noun; the corresponding adjective is disreputable. The term is more formal than “bad reputation” and often appears in legal, governmental, or journalistic contexts.

Causes of disrepute include unethical behavior, criminal activity, professional misconduct, incompetence, or failure to adhere to standards. Perceived misalignment with stated values or Institutional failures can also contribute. Media coverage and public controversy frequently accelerate the erosion of reputation, spreading judgments beyond those directly involved.

Consequences of disrepute can be significant. Individuals may lose trust, clients, or employment; organizations may face sanctions, funding withdrawal, or diminished stakeholder support. Restoring disrepute is challenging and often requires accountability measures, independent review, transparency, remediation, and changes to policies or leadership.

See also: reputation, reputation management, discredit, reputational risk, stigma.