Word
discrediting
Phoneticsdis·cred·it·ing, stress on the second syllable
US/dɪsˈkɹɛdətɪŋ/
UK/dɪskɹˈɛdɪtɪŋ/
Definition
v. to make people stop trusting or believing someone or something.
v. present participle of 'discredit'; to damage the reputation of a person, claim, or source so others no longer trust or believe it.
Examples
“He keeps discrediting his rival with unfair stories.”
“The lawyer tried discrediting the witness by showing old messages that contradicted her story.”
“By repeatedly discrediting independent journalists, the campaign sought to weaken public trust in any reporting that challenged its claims.”
Examples
simple
“He keeps discrediting his rival with unfair stories.”
contextual
“The lawyer tried discrediting the witness by showing old messages that contradicted her story.”
complex
“By repeatedly discrediting independent journalists, the campaign sought to weaken public trust in any reporting that challenged its claims.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “discrediting” in context.
Verb
01. aim to discredit
“The articles aim to discredit the charity's humanitarian work.”
verb + to + verb
02. attempt to discredit
“The opposition attempted to discredit the witness during the trial.”
verb + to + verb
03. discredit claim
“Scientists quickly discredited the claim about miracle cures.”
verb + noun
04. discredit evidence
“The investigation discredited the evidence presented by the prosecution.”
verb + noun
05. discredit opponent
“He launched a smear campaign to discredit his opponent before the election.”
verb + noun
06. discredit testimony
“The recording discredited his testimony about the meeting.”
verb + noun
07. discredit theory
“New data may discredit the theory that stress alone causes ulcers.”
verb + noun
Adjective
08. deliberately discredit
“Rival campaigns deliberately discredit candidates with misleading adverts.”
adv + verb
Noun
09. bid to discredit
“Critics saw the lawsuit as a bid to discredit independent journalism.”
noun + to + verb
10. campaign to discredit
“They funded a media campaign to discredit climate scientists.”
noun + to + verb
11. attempt to discredit witnesses
“The defence will attempt to discredit witnesses during cross-examination.”
12. campaign to discredit the movement
“Online trolls launched a campaign to discredit the protest movement.”
Usage
The verb is transitive and takes a direct object.
Real-World Examples
“After his loss in that election, Trump led a campaign aimed at discrediting the vote’s legitimacy, claiming fraud and irregularities that he’s been consistently unable to prove .” “Russia's prominent anti-war politician Lev Shlosberg has been sentenced to 11 years and one month in a penal colony for "discrediting" the country's armed forces and "spreading false information" about them.” “An 18-year-old street performer in Russia, who spent nearly two weeks in jail earlier this month for playing a prohibited anti-Kremlin tune, was convicted Tuesday of discrediting the military and was fined 30,000 roubles (approximately $369).” Synonyms
Related words
- 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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