The phrase "dubious distinction" is used to describe a situation where someone or something is known for something negative or undesirable. It means having a reputation for being questionable, suspicious, or not respectable. Full definition
For those of you practicing outside your area of expertise, I believe the rules allow submitting your own clients for this admittedly dubious distinction. (blawgit.com)
Among other things, the data shows that the five states hardest hit by the foreclosure crisis hold some other dubious distinctions as well. (homebuyinginstitute.com)
«It appears that Wendy Shalit» 97, whose article in Reader's Digest condemning the bathroom situation garnered Williams dubious distinction in the national spotlight, will finally be avenged.» (religion-online.org)