Word
reprimand
Phoneticsrep·ri·mand, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈɹɛpɹəˌmænd/
UK/ɹˈɛpɹɪmˌɑːnd/
Definition
n. a formal or serious scolding from a person in a position of authority. It is usually a way to tell someone they did something wrong without firing them.
n. a formal or official scolding, typically issued by a superior to a subordinate for a specific fault or failure. Often used in professional or military contexts to maintain discipline without resorting to dismissal.
Examples
“He received a formal reprimand for being late.”
“The manager issued a written reprimand after the employee failed to follow safety protocols during the inspection.”
“While a verbal warning might suffice for minor infractions, a formal reprimand serves as a documented record of the employee's misconduct and can affect future promotions.”
Examples
simple
“He received a formal reprimand for being late.”
contextual
“The manager issued a written reprimand after the employee failed to follow safety protocols during the inspection.”
complex
“While a verbal warning might suffice for minor infractions, a formal reprimand serves as a documented record of the employee's misconduct and can affect future promotions.”
Real-World Examples
“While shooting The Cowboys (1972) he reprimanded his star, John Wayne, in front of the entire cast and crew for calling “Action”.” “Shortly after the president reprimanded Holmes, the White House invoked her children in a social media post further attacking the reporter.” Etymology
From French réprimande, from réprimer (“to repress”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- 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
- アルファベット
- 読み方の一覧 →
QR code
englishreference.com/q/reprimand