WordGarden.ioinfamous
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /ˈɪnfəməs/
US
- /ˈɪnfəməs/
Meanings
Adjective
well known for something bad or shameful
Beyond the definition
Infamous isn't about being famous for doing good things; it's the opposite. Think of a villain in a story, someone everyone knows, but because they are cruel or dishonest. That person is infamous. The word suggests a reputation built on wrongdoing, scandal, or something shameful. While "famous" makes you think of applause, "infamous" brings to mind blame and disapproval. Robin Hood is often shown as famous for helping the poor; Captain Hook is infamous for his cruelty and for trying to kill Peter Pan.
You might say a politician became "infamous" after a corruption scandal, or that a historical event is "infamous" because of its brutality. It's stronger than simply being known for something negative; it suggests that many people know about it and connect it with disgrace.
To be infamous means to be widely known for some bad quality or deed. Unlike "famous," which carries positive connotations of achievement and admiration, "infamous" suggests a reputation built on scandal, wrongdoing, or disgrace. It's not just being known for something negative; it implies that the negativity is significant enough to become part of your lasting identity.
Think of historical figures like Benedict Arnold (known for betrayal) or Al Capone (known for his criminal empire). Their names are instantly associated with those acts, overshadowing anything else they might have done.
The word can be applied to people, places, events, or even things. You could describe a battle as "infamous" because of its immense loss of life, or a prison as "infamous" for terrible conditions and abuse. It's often used in historical contexts, but it can also apply to present-day figures who become widely known for shocking or harmful actions.
While sometimes used humorously (like calling your messy room "infamous"), the core meaning always carries a weight of negativity and disapproval. It's a powerful word that paints a picture of lasting disgrace and ill-repute. So, if someone is infamous, remember it's not the kind of recognition they'd be bragging about!
Examples
- 1
Town reputation
The town is infamous for its traffic jams in the summer.
- 2
Online notoriety
He became infamous after the video spread online.
- 3
Workplace reputation
The company is infamous among workers for its long hours and low pay.
- Patterninfamous among + group
having a bad reputation with that group
- 4
School exam
She still talks about the infamous exam that half the class failed.
See also
Similar
- notorious
- ill-famed
- disreputable
Shades of meaning
Contrast
Do not confuse
Used with (collocations)
- infamous for
- infamous case
- infamous crime
- infamous reputation
Word family
Explore
- bad reputation
- public disgrace
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- infamousadjective