reputation
rehp-yuu-TAY-shuhn
Reputation (noun) means the general opinion that people hold about someone or something. Example: “The restaurant built a strong reputation for its seafood.”
noun
1
The general opinion that people hold about someone or something.
"The restaurant built a strong reputation for its seafood."
"He worked hard to repair his reputation after the scandal."
"The shop has a good reputation, so customers travel from other towns to visit it."
How to use reputation
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishWhat people generally think or say about someone.
Common pairings
damage a reputation
build a reputation
reputation for honesty
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Word forms
- Plural
- reputations
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The restaurant built a strong _____ for its seafood.
Etymology
From Latin reputatio, "consideration, reckoning," from reputo, "to think over" — the same root as "repute."
Related words
Rhymes for reputation
region
ablation
allusion
emulsion
ideation
novation
diffusion
elocution
extension
oxidation
perfusion
selection
See all rhymes for reputation →
Frequently asked questions
What does “reputation” mean?
The word “reputation” means the general opinion that people hold about someone or something. In plain terms, what people generally think or say about someone.
How do you pronounce “reputation”?
“Reputation” is pronounced rehp-yuu-TAY-shuhn (/ˌɹɛpjʊˈteɪʃən/ in IPA).
How do you use “reputation” in a sentence?
Here is “reputation” used in a sentence: “The restaurant built a strong reputation for its seafood.”
What part of speech is “reputation”?
“Reputation” is a noun.
Where does the word “reputation” come from?
The word “reputation” comes from Latin. From Latin reputatio, "consideration, reckoning," from reputo, "to think over" — the same root as "repute.".
Is “reputation” a common word?
“Reputation” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
What is the difference between reputation and character?
Character is who you truly are — your actual values and behaviour. Reputation is what other people believe about you, the general opinion they hold. The two often align, but not always: someone can have good character yet a poor reputation, or a polished reputation that hides their real character.
Can a reputation be rebuilt?
Yes, though it takes time. Because reputation rests on the accumulated opinions of others, repairing it means changing those views through consistent, visible behaviour rather than words alone. Apologies, transparency and a sustained track record help. Rebuilding is usually slower than the damage, but a reputation is rarely fixed forever.
Why is reputation important?
Reputation shapes how others treat you before they know you well. A good one builds trust, opens opportunities, wins customers and earns the benefit of the doubt, while a poor one does the opposite. For people and businesses alike, it can be a valuable asset that influences decisions and relationships.
What is the difference between reputation and image?
Image is the impression someone actively tries to project, often deliberately crafted. Reputation is the opinion others actually form, which may differ from that intended image. You can manage your image, but your reputation is ultimately decided by other people's judgement over time.
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