1. making or becoming dull, discolored, or less bright, especially metal surfaces
Usage: present participle of tarnish
2. damaging or spoiling someone’s reputation or image
Usage: figurative use

1. the process of becoming dull or discolored, or the act of damaging reputation
Usage: gerund form

Examples

• The silver jewelry was tarnishing in the humid air.
• She noticed the brass doorknob tarnishing over time.
• The scandal was tarnishing his political career.
• Years of neglect were tarnishing the company’s reputation.
• The tarnishing of the metal required professional cleaning.
• He worried about the tarnishing of his family name.
• The copper pipes showed signs of tarnishing.