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infamous

adj.
US //ˈɪnfəməs// UK //ˈɪnfəməs// in·fa·mous
  1. 1 famous for something bad (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    well-known for being bad, evil, or shocking.

    having an extremely bad reputation; widely known for some negative quality or deed.

    Example

    The city is infamous for its terrible traffic and narrow streets.

    Example

    The pirate became infamous throughout the Caribbean for his ruthless tactics and his ability to evade the royal navy for over a decade.
    Pitfall
    He is very infamous for his charity work.
    He is very famous for his charity work.

    Infamous is not a stronger version of famous; it specifically means famous for something bad. Use 'famous' or 'renowned' for positive things.

  2. 2 disgraceful (adj.)
    C1 Advanced Formal

    causing a loss of respect or a bad reputation.

    deserving of or causing infamy; shockingly bad or disgraceful in nature.

    Example

    The dictator's infamous treatment of his people was condemned by the world.

    Example

    The committee described the decision as an infamous betrayal of the public trust, leading to immediate calls for a full investigation.
    • praiseworthy
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  1. 3 legal loss of rights (adj.)
    C2 Proficiency Archaic Technical Law

    in the past, describing a person who lost their legal rights because of a crime.

    referring to a person deprived of certain civil rights, such as serving on a jury, as a result of a conviction for a serious crime.

    Example

    In the 1800s, certain criminals were declared infamous and could no longer vote.

    Example

    Under the old statutes, an infamous person was barred from giving testimony in a court of law, as their character was deemed legally compromised.

    Usage

    Usually applied to the legal status of a person in historical contexts.

Origin

From Middle English enfamouse, in-fames, infamous, from Medieval Latin īnfāmōsus, from Latin īnfāmis; by surface analysis, in- + famous. Displaced native Old English unhlīsful.

Word family

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