Word
sully
Phoneticssul·ly, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈsəɫi/
UK/sˈʌli/
Definition
v. to damage the purity or good reputation of something. You use this when something that was clean or respected becomes dirty or shamed.
v. to damage the purity or integrity of something; to tarnish a reputation or record. Often used figuratively to describe the loss of moral standing or honor.
Examples
“The scandal will sully the politician's reputation.”
“He refused to take the bribe because he did not want to sully his family name.”
“The once-pristine landscape was sullied by the construction of massive industrial complexes that leaked pollutants into the local water supply.”
Examples
simple
“The scandal will sully the politician's reputation.”
contextual
“He refused to take the bribe because he did not want to sully his family name.”
complex
“The once-pristine landscape was sullied by the construction of massive industrial complexes that leaked pollutants into the local water supply.”
Usage
The verb is transitive and requires a direct object, such as 'reputation', 'name', or 'honor'.
Real-World Examples
“Anfield welcomed Manchester City to their new reality, a sullied place where every touch is accompanied by cries of “cheat”, any favourable decision is considered proof of further conspiracy and every victory hollow.” “Yet he told me that he would never allow his daughters to sully their reputations by learning any kind of instrument.” - 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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