# dishonorable

/dɪˈsɑnɝəbəɫ/ (US) · CEFR B2 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/dishonorable
Updated: 2026-10-13

## Definition

describing an action or person that is not honest or fair. You use this when someone loses the respect of others because they did something shameful.

For teachers: deserving of shame or disgrace; lacking integrity or moral principles. Often describes conduct that violates a code of ethics or a professional standard.

## Examples

- It was dishonorable of him to lie to his teammates.
- The officer was dismissed from his post following a series of dishonorable actions that damaged the reputation of the entire department.
- History often judges those who choose a dishonorable path for personal gain more harshly than those who fail while attempting to act with integrity.

## Synonyms

shameful, disgraceful, unethical, dishonest, unprincipled

## Antonyms

honorable, Noble, principled, respectable

## Usage notes

- Typically used to modify nouns related to behavior, such as 'conduct', 'intentions', or 'discharge'.

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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.