Infamous
Well known for a negative reason; having a bad reputation.
adjectiveInfamous
Well known for a negative reason; having a bad reputation.
adjectiveImagine This
Imagine a villain whose name is whispered in every town because of ruthless deeds; people shudder when they hear it and cross the street to avoid him.
Sounds Like
in-FAYM-uhs
Looks Like
Looks like 'famous' with an in- prefix indicating the opposite meaning.
Remember This
Infamous is the opposite of famous in a positive sense. It describes notoriety or disreputable reputation, not mere popularity.
Other Forms
Connect With
notorious, disreputable, stigma, ill-repute
Note
Usually followed by 'for' + a negative attribute or action (infamous for corruption, infamously deceitful). Do not confuse with 'famous' or the noun 'infamy'.
Study Deeper
- The town's infamous outlaw robbed banks across the countryside.
- The corporation became infamous for its environmental violations.
From Latin infΔmΕsus 'of ill repute', formed from in- 'not' + famΕsus 'famous', from fΔma 'fame, report'.
IN-FAME-ous: Not famous for good reasons; remember with the phrase 'not fame for good deeds' to cue negative reputation.
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Similar Words
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