Word
discredited
Phoneticsdis·cred·it·ed, stress on the second syllable
US/dɪsˈkɹɛdɪtɪd/
UK/dɪskɹˈɛdɪtɪd/
Definition
adj. describing an idea, person, or piece of information that people no longer trust or believe is true. It is used when something has been proven wrong or dishonest.
adj. having lost a reputation for reliability, honesty, or validity. Often describes scientific theories, political figures, or evidence that has been formally refuted.
Examples
“The scientist's old theory is now completely discredited.”
“After the scandal was revealed, the politician's once-popular policies became discredited in the eyes of the public.”
“The defense attorney argued that the witness's testimony should be ignored, as it relied on a discredited forensic technique that has since been replaced by DNA analysis.”
Examples
simple
“The scientist's old theory is now completely discredited.”
contextual
“After the scandal was revealed, the politician's once-popular policies became discredited in the eyes of the public.”
complex
“The defense attorney argued that the witness's testimony should be ignored, as it relied on a discredited forensic technique that has since been replaced by DNA analysis.”
Usage
Often follows a linking verb like 'become', 'remain', or 'be'.
Real-World Examples
“The original report that suggested the potential link has since been discredited for faulty methodologies.” “With 9/11 and the subsequent and discredited “war on terror”, Goodman’s work got even more intense.” - Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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