Definition

Noun: 1. The state of being well known for a bad quality or deed; evil fame or public reputation. This refers to being famous for something wicked, shameful, or criminal. 2. Extreme public disgrace or dishonor; a state of profound wickedness or vileness. This describes a condition of being held in the lowest esteem by society. 3. (Historical/Legal) A condition of having lost certain legal rights due to conviction for a serious crime. This is a specific, often archaic, legal status.

Usage and Examples

• General Usage (Evil Fame):
  • The dictator's infamy spread far beyond the country's borders.
  • He achieved a kind of infamy for his fraudulent schemes.
• Usage (State of Dishonor):
  • The traitor's actions brought lasting infamy upon his family name.
  • The scandal plunged the corporation into infamy.
• Famous Quotation:
  • "A date which will live in infamy..." – President Franklin D. Roosevelt, describing the attack on Pearl Harbor.

Advanced Usage and Nuances

• "A byword of/infamy": A person or thing that is so notorious it becomes a standard example of disgrace.
  • After the trial, the company's name became a byword for corporate infamy.
• The concept often implies that the negative reputation is widespread and enduring.

Variants and Related Words

• Infamous (adjective): Well known for some bad quality or deed. Describes a person or action characterized by infamy.
  • He was an infamous pirate.
• Infamously (adverb): In a manner deserving or causing infamy; notoriously.
  • The plan failed infamously.

Synonyms

• Notoriety: The state of being famous or well known for some bad quality or deed. (Very close synonym)
• Disgrace: Loss of reputation or respect.
• Ignominy: Public shame or disgrace.
• Opprobrium: Harsh criticism or contempt.

Antonyms

• Fame: The state of being known by many people for positive achievements.
• Honor: High respect; esteem.
• Glory: High renown or honor won by notable achievements.

Idioms and Phrases

• "Day/Legacy of infamy": A day or lasting memory associated with profound disgrace or a terrible event.
  • The massacre left a legacy of infamy.
• "To live in infamy": To be remembered forever for something disgraceful.
  • His betrayal ensured he would live in infamy.

Noun

1. evil fame or public reputation
2. a state of extreme dishonor
   • a date which will live in infamy- F.D.Roosevelt
   • the name was a by-word of scorn and opprobrium throughout the city