ignominious

[ ig-nuh-min-ee-uhs ]

adjective

1. marked by or attended with ignominy; discreditable; humiliating:

   an ignominious retreat.

   Synonyms: shameful, dishonorable, disgraceful, degrading

2. bearing or deserving ignominy; contemptible.

   Synonyms: ignoble, despicable

Other Words From

• igno·mini·ous·ly adverb
• igno·mini·ous·ness noun
• nonig·no·mini·ous adjective
• nonig·no·mini·ous·ly adverb
• nonig·no·mini·ous·ness noun
• unig·no·mini·ous adjective
• unig·no·mini·ous·ly adverb
• unig·no·mini·ous·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of ignominious¹

First recorded in 1375–1425; late Middle English word from Latin word ignōminiōsus. See ignominy, -ous

Example Sentences

The former president's latest display of the behavior that earned him such an ignominious title occurred at a recent rally in Pennsylvania during which Trump singled out Republican Rep. Byron Donalds.

From Salon

What was supposed to be a routine trip to northern Mexico has seemingly brought an ignominious end to a very long and otherwise distinguished career in the FCDO.

From BBC

What an ignominious end to their legal careers.

From Salon

This is the fifth season in NBA history where two teams have been that bad, the first since New Jersey and Minnesota pulled off the ignominious feat in 2009-10.

From Seattle Times

The Golden State is home to four of the national parks with the haziest skies, with Sequoia and Kings Canyon — which are contiguous — once again claiming the ignominious top slot.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• disgraceful
• embarrassing
• shameful