infamy

[ in-fuh-mee ]

noun

, plural in·fa·mies

1. extremely bad reputation, public reproach, or strong condemnation as the result of a shameful, criminal, or outrageous act:

   a time that will live in infamy.

   Synonyms: obloquy, disrepute, shame, opprobrium, odium

   Antonyms: honor, credit

2. infamous character or conduct.
3. an infamous act or circumstance.
4. Law. loss of rights, incurred by conviction of an infamous offense.

infamy

/ ˈɪnfəmɪ /

noun

1. the state or condition of being infamous
2. an infamous act or event

Word History and Origins

Origin of infamy¹

First recorded in 1425–75; late Middle English infamye, from Latin infāmia, equivalent to infām(is) “ill-famed” ( in- in- ³ + fām(a) fame + -is adjective suffix) + -ia -y ³

Word History and Origins

Origin of infamy¹

C15: from Latin infāmis of evil repute, from in- ¹+ fāma fame

Synonym Study

See disgrace.

Example Sentences

The Santo Niño entered Eastside infamy in 2020, when José Huizar, who then represented District 14, posted an image of the Catholic icon on social media hours before FBI agents raided the politico’s home.

From Los Angeles Times

The 2017 Houston Astros will forever live in infamy.

From Los Angeles Times

“This election season is fraught; memories of Jan. 6 have not faded away, regardless of one’s view of that date’s fame or infamy,” he wrote.

From Salon

The “cat ladies” barb earned a spot in meme infamy this month when pop music megastar Taylor Swift endorsed Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris and signed her online endorsement “Childless Cat Lady.”

From Los Angeles Times

Debates online are raging over this new chapter of infamy.

From BBC

Related Words

• notoriety
• opprobrium