So correct in conduct or quality that no fair criticism appears warranted.
Reach for it when giving strong formal praise within a clearly defined scope
Her handling of the confidential record was irreproachable throughout the audit.
| everyday | |
|---|---|
| professional | |
| formal |
|
| literary |
everyday
above criticism
Fits when no fair objection has been found
Careful The phrase can sound like an attempt to forbid scrutiny.
everyday
Fits when absence of moral fault is the central judgment
Careful Blameless can concern responsibility without praising the quality of execution.
professional
Fits when the conduct is good enough to serve as a model
Careful Exemplary makes a positive teaching claim beyond absence of reproach.
professional
Fits when careful ethical attention shapes every step
Careful Scrupulous describes the method and can coexist with a mistaken result.
formal
Fits when quality or conduct appears free from fault
Careful Impeccable is common praise and can be inflated for merely adequate work.
literary
Fits when consistent moral character deserves elevated respect
Careful Upright evaluates the person broadly rather than one act.
irreproachable conduct
The observer described her conduct during the count as irreproachable.
irreproachable record
An apparently irreproachable record still receives the same conflict checks.
remain irreproachable
The process must remain irreproachable as well as efficient.
Keep in mind
Irreproachable is a strong evaluative claim, not a substitute for evidence. The relevant conduct, period, and standard should be clear.
Definitions and examples are written for this site. How words are chosen Updated
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