Vocabulary Builder — Essay & Answer Writing
Opprobrium
noun
/ uh-PROH-bree-um /
Hard
Meaning
Harsh public censure or disgrace directed at a person, nation, or institution because of their actions
Origin / Etymology
Latin opprobrium — from ob- (against) + probrum (shameful deed); denoted public infamy in Roman law
Synonyms
Censure
Ignominy
Infamy
Condemnation
Obloquy
Antonyms
Acclaim
Honour
Commendation
Approbation
Example Sentence
"India's handling of the Galwan Valley standoff drew international opprobrium when satellite imagery contradicted official statements about troop withdrawals."
🎯 UPSC Usage
High-value word for GS-2 (IR, governance) and Essay answers. Use when describing international community's reaction to human rights violations, environmental disasters caused by corporate negligence, or judicial overreach. Stronger and more precise than 'criticism' — signals that the disapproval carries a moral dimension, not just disagreement.
Relevant Subjects