Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Having a widespread and typically unfavorable reputation; known for something bad or morally wrong: The word "ill-famed" describes a person, place, or thing that is widely recognized, but for negative reasons, often involving scandal, crime, or disrepute.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • The ill-famed pirate was feared along the entire coast. (The pirate, known widely for his bad deeds, was feared.)
  • That ill-famed neighborhood was avoided by travelers at night. (That neighborhood had a widespread bad reputation.)
  • He became ill-famed for his corrupt business practices. (He became widely known in a negative way for his actions.)

Advanced Usage

• Used attributively (before a noun): "Ill-famed" is most commonly used directly before the noun it describes to emphasize its notorious quality.
  • The expedition ventured into the ill-famed valley.
• Used predictively (after a linking verb like 'be', 'become'): It can also follow a verb to describe the subject's state.
  • The ruler became increasingly ill-famed for his cruelty.

Variants and Related Words

• Notorious (adj.): A more common synonym, meaning famous or well-known, typically for some bad quality or deed.
• Infamous (adj.): Having an extremely bad reputation; well-known for a bad quality or act. ("Infamous" often implies a greater degree of negative fame than "ill-famed".)
• Ill-reputed (adj.): Having a bad reputation; similar in meaning to "ill-famed".

Synonyms

• Notorious
• Infamous
• Disreputable
• Scandalous

Antonyms

• Renowned (known widely and favorably)
• Famous (known widely, often neutrally or positively)
• Esteemed (held in high respect)
• Reputable (having a good reputation)

Notes on Meaning

• "Ill-famed" vs. "Famous": While "famous" means widely known, "ill-famed" specifies that this widespread knowledge is for negative reasons. It carries a strong negative connotation.
• Scope of Use: It can be applied to people (e.g., criminals, tyrants), places (e.g., dangerous districts, prisons), events, or even periods in history known for negative traits.

Adjective

1. known widely and usually unfavorably;
   • a notorious gangster
   • the tenderloin district was notorious for vice
   • the infamous Benedict Arnold