ignominy

[ ig-nuh-min-ee, ig-nom-uh-nee ]

noun

, plural ig·no·min·ies

1. disgrace; dishonor; public contempt.

   Synonyms: opprobrium, obloquy, shame, discredit, disrepute

   Antonyms: honor, credit

2. shameful or dishonorable quality or conduct or an instance of this.

ignominy

/ ˈɪɡnəˌmɪnɪ /

noun

1. disgrace or public shame; dishonour
2. a cause of disgrace; a shameful act

Derived Forms

• ˌignoˈminious, adjective
• ˌignoˈminiously, adverb
• ˌignoˈminiousness, noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of ignominy¹

1530–40; < Latin ignōminia, equivalent to ig- (for in- in- ³, apparently by association with ignōbilis ignoble, ignōtus unknown, etc.; cognomen ) + nōmin- (stem of nōmen ) name + -ia -y ³

Word History and Origins

Origin of ignominy¹

C16: from Latin ignōminia disgrace, from ig- (see in- ²) + nōmen name, reputation

Synonym Study

See disgrace.

Example Sentences

In that France game, played in an empty stadium during the Covid pandemic, Ireland were at least spared the ignominy of defeat in front of their own fans.

From BBC

When Royal County Down staged the 2015 Irish Open, he had the ignominy of watching the weekend's play on TV after missing the cut.

From BBC

A manager who may have revitalised the side from the ignominy of previous years, but who did not quite have what it took to deliver the glory the country craved.

From BBC

Unlike most Hollywood neophytes of his ilk, however, Ellison did not flame out in ignominy or retreat much poorer for his efforts.

From Los Angeles Times

Were this a different star player, not one so shrouded in ignominy and infamy, there would have been an outpouring of respectful statements and deep sympathies.

From Los Angeles Times