tarnished

This term describes a loss of purity or brilliance, whether physical or moral. When applied to metals, it refers to the chemical process of oxidation that creates a dull film, stripping away the original shine. It suggests a state of neglect or the natural passage of time.

In a social or professional context, the word carries a heavy negative connotation of permanent damage. While a physical surface can be polished back to its original state, a tarnished reputation often implies a stain that is difficult or impossible to remove completely. It is frequently used in journalistic and legal registers to describe disgraced public figures or compromised legacies.