What is the antonym of “meritorious”?
The antonyms of meritorious are blameworthy, discreditable, and disreputable. These words convey the opposite meaning of meritorious, which is deserving praise or reward.
Brief Definitions of the Antonym(s)
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
Deserving blame or censure.
Example
The company's management was held blameworthy for the environmental disaster.
Bringing discredit or shame; not worthy of respect or trust.
Example
His behavior at the party was discreditable and caused him to lose some friends.
Having a bad reputation; not respected or trusted by society.
Example
The used car salesman had a disreputable reputation for selling faulty vehicles.
How are these antonyms different from each other?
- 1Blameworthy implies that someone has done something wrong and deserves blame or censure.
- 2Discreditable suggests that someone's actions have brought discredit or shame upon themselves or others.
- 3Disreputable describes someone or something that has a bad reputation and is not respected or trusted by society.
Good things to know
- 1Legal Context: Use blameworthy in legal contexts to describe someone who is responsible for a wrongdoing.
- 2Professional Settings: Use discreditable to describe actions that could harm one's professional reputation.
- 3Social Situations: Use disreputable to describe people or things that are not respected or trusted by society.