reprimands

Reprimand is a formal expression of disapproval or rebuke issued by a person in authority for inappropriate conduct or unsatisfactory performance. It may be verbal or written and is intended to correct behavior rather than to punish financially or criminally. The term derives from Latin reprimere, meaning to check or restrain.

In workplaces, a reprimand is part of disciplinary procedures and may appear in an employee's record. A verbal reprimand is usually brief and confidential; a written reprimand documents the behavior, expectations, and consequences if behavior does not improve. Reprimands may precede more serious actions such as suspension or termination.

In educational settings, teachers or administrators may issue reprimands to students for rule violations; these may be informal or formal and may affect conduct records.

In professional regulation and law, a reprimand can be a formal sanction imposed by a regulator or court—less severe than a probation or other sanction; it serves as an official warning and may be publicly recorded.

Process and due process: typically, the authority provides an opportunity to respond, the record is kept, and the response may be attached to the reprimand; severity varies by jurisdiction and policy.

Effectiveness: when clearly defined, with specific behaviors and timeframes, reprimands can deter recurrence; if vague or inconsistently applied, they may lose legitimacy.

See also: admonition; warning; discipline; sanction.