reputation
Reputation refers to the general esteem or regard in which a person or entity is held within the community, based on perceptions of character, integrity, and conduct.
In trial proceedings, Federal Rule of Evidence 405 allows reputation testimony as a method of proving a person’s character when character evidence is admissible. A witness may testify about another person’s reputation concerning a relevant character trait.
In defamation actions, injury to reputation is a central element of damages. A plaintiff may recover compensation for reputational harm resulting from false statements that diminish the esteem in which they are held by others.
[Last reviewed in October of 2025 by the Wex Definitions Team]
Wex