reputation; public image; appearances
Refers to how one is seen by others, especially in terms of honor, respectability, or saving face. Often used in phrases like 外聞が悪い (disgraceful) or 外聞を気にする (to care about appearances).
It would be disgraceful to do such a thing.
He is always concerned about appearances.
Compound of 外 (outside) and 聞 (hear), literally 'what is heard from outside', referring to one's public reputation.