# dishonor

/dɪˈsɑnɝ/ (US) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/dishonor
Updated: 2026-05-19

## Definition

a feeling of shame or a loss of respect. It can also mean a formal punishment for breaking a law or a promise.

For teachers: a state of shame or loss of respect; also refers to a formal punishment or a legal penalty for a breach of trust or law.

## Examples

- He felt a deep sense of dishonor after his mistake.
- The athlete was stripped of his medals and faced a period of dishonor for using banned substances.
- The legal system views the act of perjury as a severe breach of the court's integrity, resulting in a sentence of dishonor that affects the defendant's future career prospects.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.