reputation

noun

rep·​u·​ta·​tion ˌre-pyə-ˈtā-shən 

1

a

: 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

reputational

ˌre-pyə-ˈtā-sh(ə-)nəl 

adjective

Did you know?

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.

Synonyms of reputation

• repute
• name

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

Lerner’s critical reputation is also through the roof, each new book carrying the weight of potentially being a moment of great artistic import. —John Warner, Chicago Tribune, 9 May 2026

In recent years, Spirit tried to shed its reputation. —Doreen St. Félix, New Yorker, 9 May 2026

Birch Gold Group’s reputation and customer experience While Birch Gold maintains its Better Business Bureau (BBB) accreditation and A+ rating, the majority of its customer reviews since Fall 2025 have been negative. —Amy Deyoung, USA Today, 8 May 2026

The restaurant quickly gained a reputation not only for its creative menu but as a chic spot to dine — and see and be seen. —Connie Ogle updated May 8, Miami Herald, 8 May 2026

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

Phrases Containing reputation

• acquire a reputation
• live up to one's reputation

Rhymes for reputation

• abdication
• aberration
• abjuration
• abnegation
• abrogation
• acceptation
• acclamation
• acclimation
• accusation
• activation
• actuation
• acylation

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Kids Definition

reputation

noun

rep·​u·​ta·​tion ˌrep-yə-ˈtā-shən 

1

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

a car with a good reputation

2

: notice by other people of some quality or ability

has the reputation of being a good tennis player

3

: 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