reputation

noun

Save Word

rep·u·ta·tion | \ ˌre-pyə-ˈtā-shən

Definition of reputation

1a : overall quality or character as seen or judged by people in general

b : recognition by other people of some characteristic or ability has the reputation of being clever

2 : a place in public esteem or regard : good name trying to protect his reputation

Other Words from reputation Synonyms Did you know? More Example Sentences Phrases Containing reputation Learn More About reputation

Did you know?

For reputation, the attainment of lexical esteem begins in 14th-century Middle English in the character of reputacion, which is a borrowing of an Anglo-French word with meanings similar to the English word (referring to such things as celebrity, distinction, good name, or estimation of character). The Anglo-French is from Latin reputation-, reputatio, meaning "consideration," and ultimately from reputare, "to reckon up or to think over." That Latinate verb couples the well-known "again" prefix re- with 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 are 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 The search for new revenue is part of the next chapter at CNN under Licht, where the focus, at least for now, is more on refreshing the network’s reputation than on jump-starting its ratings. — Gerry Smith, Anchorage Daily News, 20 June 2022 Maldonado already knew McLeod — not well, but definitely by reputation. — Marisa Kabas, Rolling Stone, 19 June 2022 Keep in mind Nexstar’s reputation for being tight with a dollar. — Scott D. Pierce, The Salt Lake Tribune, 19 June 2022 The university’s enhanced reputation has helped attract star faculty, snag big research grants, and boosted graduates’ job prospects. — Alexander Thompson, BostonGlobe.com, 19 June 2022 Legislative aides for several senators, including Sen. Pat Toomey (R., Pa.), said the NSSF’s opposition was meaningful because the group doesn’t have an obstructionist reputation on the Hill. — Julie Bykowicz, WSJ, 18 June 2022 But the loss of reputation during a trial was also a big factor that discouraged divorce. — Rachel Gevlin, The Conversation, 17 June 2022 Hooters’ reputation has long been tainted, plainly, on the fact that ‘Hooters Girls’ (the chain’s monikered waitresses) wear short shorts and low-cut tops. — Lela London, Forbes, 17 June 2022 With the Celsius brand in tatters and the CEL token now trading at 60 cents, 93% lower than its all-time high of $8 one year ago, the company has the daunting task of regaining a reputation built during the previous bull market. — Fortune, 16 June 2022 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'reputation.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Learn More About reputation

Listen to Our Podcast About reputation

Dictionary Entries Near reputation

reputable

reputation

reputative

Statistics for reputation

Last Updated

22 Jun 2022

Cite this Entry

“Reputation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/reputation. Accessed 26 Jun. 2022.

Style: MLA

MLA

Chicago

APA

Merriam-Webster Check Mark Icon

More Definitions for reputation

reputation

noun

rep·u·ta·tion | \ ˌre-pyə-ˈtā-shən

Kids Definition of reputation

1 : overall quality or character as judged by people in general The car has a good reputation.

2 : notice by other people of some quality or ability … the house had a reputation for being haunted.— Madeleine L'Engle, A Wrinkle in Time

reputation

noun

rep·u·ta·tion

Legal Definition of reputation

: 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