Being distinguished is a good thing: it implies good behavior, sharp dress, and an excellent reputation. Distinguished people are respected.

When we say someone is distinguished, we're expressing respect for them. Usually, someone distinguished is older: distinguished people are wise, accomplished, and professional-looking — and usually have an impressive reputation to match. A teenager can't really be distinguished. They're too young to look the part, and they haven't done enough to earn the title. We admire people who are distinguished.

Definitions of distinguished
  1. adjective
    “our distinguished professor”
    synonyms: eminent
    important, of import
    of great significance or value
  2. adjective
    used of a person's appearance or behavior; befitting an eminent person
    “his distinguished bearing”
    synonyms: grand, imposing, magisterial
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