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

Niccol has built a reputation for stepping into difficult situations. —Andrew Edgecliffe-Johnson, semafor.com, 19 Mar. 2026

From a thriving artisanal craft tradition to a slate of luxury hospitality openings, Mallorca has a lot to offer these days to debunk its onetime reputation as a bland resort outpost. —Elly Leavitt, Vogue, 18 Mar. 2026

Kelly, who built her reputation in a system defined by editorial constraints and institutional guardrails, now operates in one where those limits are largely absent. —Kevin Dolak, HollywoodReporter, 18 Mar. 2026

Always remember, what leaders also avoid admitting is that reputation is a byproduct of behavior, not a marketing exercise. —Rolling Stone Culture Council, Rolling Stone, 18 Mar. 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