dishonourably

IPA/dɪsˈɒnərəbli/
IPA/dɪsˈɑːnərəbli/

dishonourably — adverb

1. used to describe being forced to leave the armed forces (or a similar institutio

1.adverbC1
Definition

used to describe being forced to leave the armed forces (or a similar institution) because of serious wrongdoing — almost always in the phrase 'dishonourably discharged'

Example

Sergeant Kwame was dishonourably discharged after striking a fellow officer.

collocation: dishonourably discharged (passive)

The military board dishonourably discharged Lieutenant Wren for stealing equipment.

dishonourably discharged (active, institution as subject)

Common collocations
  • dishonourably discharged
  • dishonourably discharge (someone)
Synonyms
Antonyms
  • honourably

    with honour; often used of voluntary retirement or commendation

Usage Note

Almost always appears in the fixed phrase 'dishonourably discharged.' The subject is typically a military body or tribunal, and the context is formal disciplinary proceedings.

Common Mistakes

He received a dishonourably discharge.
He received a dishonourable discharge.
the noun form uses the adjective 'dishonourable,' not the adverb 'dishonourably.'
She was dishonourably fired from the shop.
She was dishonourably discharged from the army.
this sense is almost entirely restricted to military or institutional dismissal, not ordinary employment.

2. without honesty, fairness, or moral worth

2.adverbC1
Definition

without honesty, fairness, or moral worth

Example

Nora acted dishonourably when she broke her promise to the team.

act dishonourably + when-clause

The company behaved dishonourably by hiding safety problems from its workers.

behave dishonourably + by + -ing

Common collocations
  • act dishonourably
  • behave dishonourably
  • treat (someone) dishonourably
  • conduct oneself dishonourably
Synonyms
  • unethically

    focuses narrowly on violating ethical rules or professional codes

  • disgracefully

    stronger; emphasizes the shame brought upon others

  • deceitfully

    specifically about lying or hiding the truth, not general unfairness

  • shamefully

    more personal and emotional; focuses on the actor's own disgrace

Antonyms
  • honourably

    in a way deserving respect; with integrity

  • ethically

    following moral principles and professional standards

  • fairly

    treating everyone equally and without bias

Usage Note

Used with verbs describing conduct: act, behave, treat, play, conduct oneself. Describes a breach of moral or ethical standards, not merely a mistake or error in judgment.

Common Mistakes

The referee called the game dishonourably.
The referee called the game unfairly.
'dishonourably' implies a moral failing, not just a bad or biased decision.

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: adverb/2

These adverbs all describe conduct that falls short of expected standards, but they differ in what exactly is being criticised. 'Dishonourably' is the broadest, covering any behaviour that lacks integrity or moral worth — it attacks the person's character as a whole. 'Unethically' is narrower and more professional: it points to a breach of a specific code or rule (a lawyer acting unethically by sharing client secrets). 'Disgracefully' is stronger and more public — it says the behaviour brought shame not just on the actor but on the group or institution they represent. 'Shamefully' focuses inward on the actor's own sense of disgrace. 'Unfairly' is the mildest: it means someone did not give equal treatment, but says nothing about their overall character. For example, a boss who promotes his unqualified nephew acts unfairly; a boss who takes a bribe to promote him acts dishonourably.

unethically ↗disgracefully ↗shamefully ↗unfairly ↗

Etymology

LatinOld FrenchMiddle EnglishEnglish

Formed in English from the noun 'dishonour' (itself from Old French 'deshonor,' meaning loss of honour or disgrace) plus the adjective suffix '-able' and the adverb suffix '-ly.' The root 'honour' traces back through French to Latin 'honor,' meaning esteem, dignity, or public office. The word entered English in the 15th century and follows a standard pattern: noun → adjective → adverb.