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Discreditable Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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discreditable

[dษชsหˆkrษ›dษชtษ™bl ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

in a negative context

Causing harm to one's reputation; bringing discredit or shame.

Synonyms

deplorable, disgraceful, shameful, unethical.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
discreditable

Used when describing actions or behaviors that bring harm to someone's reputation, but not necessarily morally wrong.

  • His tendency to lie is discreditable, making it hard to trust his reports
disgraceful

Applied to actions or behaviors that cause a significant loss of honor or respect, often associated with social scandal.

  • Her involvement in the embezzlement scandal was disgraceful and led to her resignation
shameful

Used to describe actions or behaviors that are so bad they cause a sense of personal or social shame.

  • His treatment of his employees was shameful, and it brought widespread condemnation
deplorable

Used to describe actions or conditions that are considered both very bad and deserving of strong disapproval.

  • The living conditions in the refugees' camp were deplorable, which sparked an outcry from human rights organizations
unethical

Used when referring to actions or behaviors that go against professional or social moral standards.

  • It is considered unethical for doctors to accept bribes for preferential treatment

Examples of usage

  • He was involved in discreditable activities.
  • The discreditable behavior of the politician was exposed.
  • She was fired due to her discreditable conduct.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • People often associate discreditable actions with feelings of shame, which can lead to anxiety and lower self-esteem.
  • Cognitive dissonance may occur when individuals experience a conflict between their self-image and actions that could be seen as discreditable.
  • Research indicates that social stigma can arise from discreditable behavior, significantly impacting an individualโ€™s mental health.

Legal Context

  • In legal terms, evidence that is discreditable may be excluded to maintain a fair trial and protect the rights of the accused.
  • Witness credibility can be discredited through cross-examination to undermine their testimony's reliability.
  • Discreditable behavior in a professional setting can lead to disciplinary actions or civil lawsuits depending on the context.

Media and Pop Culture

  • Reality TV often highlights discreditable actions that lead to drama and conflict among participants.
  • Historical scandals, like those involving politicians, often revolve around actions deemed discreditable by the public.
  • Social media can rapidly discredit individuals, as rumors or negative stories can spread quickly and lead to reputational damage.

Literature

  • In classic literature, characters often face discreditable actions that lead to their downfall, illustrating the consequences of poor choices.
  • Writers use discreditable traits to develop complexity in characters, making them more relatable and realistic.
  • Famous stories involve themes of redemption where characters work to overcome their discreditable pasts to regain trust.

Origin of 'discreditable'

Main points about word origin

  • The term 'discreditable' combines 'dis' (meaning 'not') with 'creditable' (meaning 'worthy of praise or respect').
  • The root word 'credit' comes from the Latin 'creditum', which means 'something entrusted to another'.
  • The modern use of 'discredit' dates back to the late 14th century, emphasizing the removal of trust.

The word 'discreditable' originates from the verb 'discredit', which comes from the Latin word 'discredere', meaning 'disbelieve'. It first appeared in English in the early 17th century. Over time, 'discreditable' evolved to describe actions or behaviors that bring shame or discredit to a person's reputation.

See also: accredit, credential, creditability, creditable, creditor, credits, creditworthy, discredit, uncredited.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #25,760, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.