What does infamous mean?
Infamous is an adjective meaning widely known or regarded with strong disapproval. It describes people, organizations, places, events, and things associated with scandal, wrongdoing, cruelty, or another objectionable quality. A person may be infamous for a crime, a company for disastrous practices, and a location for a notorious event. The word commonly follows the pattern “infamous for” and often carries the implication that the subject has become publicly associated with a negative reputation. Infamous is generally more strongly condemnatory than notorious, although the two words overlap in use. In modern English, it can also refer to something famous for a striking or notorious feature, even when the feature is not itself criminal. Historically, the word was formed from a Latin expression meaning “not famous,” so its negative sense has long been central to its meaning.
adjectiveHaving a very bad reputation or being widely known for something objectionable, scandalous, or reprehensible.
- Having a very bad reputation or being widely disliked.
- Having become well known for a particular undesirable quality, action, or event.
- Being notorious or scandalous, especially as a result of wrongdoing or public disrepute.
"The infamous trial attracted worldwide attention."
"The company became infamous for its unsafe working conditions."
"The story of the infamous highwayman became part of local folklore."
Infamous began in Latin as a literal opposite: not famous.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does infamous come from?
The word comes from Latin infāmis, meaning “notorious” or “ill-famed.” It was formed from the prefix in- and fāma, meaning “fame” or “report.” Infamous entered English in the late 16th century, and related English words such as fame, famous, famously, and defame reflect the same Latin root.
Related word forms
How infamous is actually used
Infamous is strongly negative and usually suggests public disgrace, scandal, or reprehensible conduct. It can describe a person, organization, place, event, or thing, and is often more emphatic than the more broadly usable notorious.
Easily confused with infamous
Famous means widely known, often for something admirable or notable, whereas infamous means widely known or regarded for something bad, scandalous, or objectionable.