reputation

noun

rep·u·ta·tion ˌre-pyə-ˈtā-shən

Synonyms of reputation next

: overall quality or character as seen or judged by people in general

: recognition by other people of some characteristic or ability

has the reputation of being clever

: a place in public esteem or regard : good name

trying to protect his reputation

reputational

ˌre-pyə-ˈtā-shnəl

-shə-nᵊl

adjective

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An esteemed word in English, reputation rose to fame during the 14th century and ultimately traces back to the Latin verb reputare, meaning "to take into consideration" or "to think over." Reputare is itself a coupling of the well-known "again" prefix re- and the verb putare, "to reckon." Renowned celebrities of the putare family are the verb repute ("to believe or consider"), the identical noun (synonymous with reputation), the adjectives reputable and reputed, and the adverb reputedly. Other putare cousins of notoriety include dispute, disreputable, imputation, and putative, along with their kin.

Examples of reputation in a Sentence

He has earned a reputation as a first-class playwright. a teacher with a reputation for patience Poor customer service has ruined the company's reputation.

Recent Examples on the Web

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

On the other hand, with the regulatory investigation over the charity will now likely attempt to move on from a scandal that has dogged its reputation for more than three years and will be able to cling to the finding that there was no misconduct. —

Kevin Lynn, Newsweek, 7 Jan. 2025 Remember that a few ownership groups have carried reputations in the past for pinching pennies. —

Harman Dayal, The Athletic, 7 Jan. 2025 Build a reputation for efficiency and others will respect your schedule. —

Jodie Cook, Forbes, 7 Jan. 2025 Advertisement In opening arguments at the trial, CNN’s attorney Dave Axelrod challenged Young’s claim that the report damaged his business or reputation. —

Stephen Battaglio, Los Angeles Times, 7 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for reputation

Word History

Etymology

Middle English reputacion, from Anglo-French, from Latin reputation-, reputatio consideration, from reputare

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler

The first known use of reputation was in the 14th century

See more words from the same century

Cite this Entry

Style

“Reputation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/reputation. Accessed 10 Jan. 2025.

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Kids Definition

reputation

noun

rep·u·ta·tion ˌrep-yə-ˈtā-shən

: overall quality or character as seen or judged by people in general

a car with a good reputation

: notice by other people of some quality or ability

has the reputation of being a good tennis player

: a place in public regard : good name

trying to protect his reputation

Legal Definition

reputation

noun

rep·u·ta·tion

: overall quality or character as seen or judged by people in general within a community see also character evidence at evidence, reputation testimony at testimony

Last Updated: 10 Jan 2025 - Updated example sentences

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reputation

noun

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Synonyms

Examples of reputation in a Sentence

Word History

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Dictionary Entries Near reputation

Cite this Entry

Kids Definition

Legal Definition