Untarnished
adj.thoughtful, resilientprofessional
Meaning 1
Still bright because no dull or discolored surface layer has formed.
Reach for it when Describing metal or finish that has retained its luster.
Inside the case, an untarnished silver hinge revealed the box's original sheen.
Choose between these
3- everyday
visible metallic shine is the focus
not when a bright surface may still have tarnished areas
- professional
the surface has been brought to a shine
not when can be polished after tarnish is removed
- literary
a rich reflective sheen deserves description
not when does not establish freedom from tarnish
Meaning 2
Still respected because no disgrace or credible suspicion has attached to it.
Reach for it when Praising a reputation, record, or legacy preserved through scrutiny.
Her reputation for fair appointments remained untarnished after the audit.
Choose between these
3- everyday
current good standing is enough
not when does not reveal whether a scandal occurred
- warm
a record shows no damaging fault
not when can imply unrealistic perfection
- literary
honor carries no stain
not when too elevated for routine record-keeping
Said against
3- tarnished
- dull
- discredited
It naturally appears in
3- remain untarnished
The brass lettering remained untarnished beneath the paper covering.
- untarnished silver
Untarnished silver marked the place protected from damp air.
- untarnished reputation
Open judgments helped the tribunal retain an untarnished reputation.
Where this comes from
- wiktionary, adjective literal: not tarnished opens in a new tab for meaning 1 · retrieved 2026-07-26
- wiktionary, adjective figurative: not disgraced opens in a new tab for meaning 2 · retrieved 2026-07-26
The definition and the example on this page are written here. The dictionaries above ground which meaning is being described, not the wording.