Infamous — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

adjective /ˈin-fə-məs/ in·fa·mous

Meaning & Definition of Infamous

Infamous (adjective)

  1. having a reputation of the worst kind, notoriously evil
  2. causing or bringing infamy, disgraceful
  3. convicted of an offense (as a felony) bringing infamy

Infamous (adjective) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. not respectable

    "the infamous criminal who remains known only by the moniker of Jack the Ripper"

    similar: discreditable, disgraceful, dishonorable, disreputable, ignominious, louche, notorious, opprobrious, shady, shameful, shoddy, shy, unrespectable
    related: bad, criminal, immoral, seamy, sordid, unethical, unsavory, wicked, base, contemptible, despicable, detestable, dirty, low, mean, miserable, vile, wretched, evil, iniquitous, nefarious, rotten, sinful, unrighteous, vicious, villainous, wrong, blamable, blameworthy, censurable, inglorious, reprehensible, corrupt, debased, debauched, degenerate, depraved, dissolute, gamy, libertine, loose, perverted, reprobate
    opposite: honorable, reputable, respectable
    near: decent, ethical, good, honest, just, moral, noble, principled, righteous, upright, upstanding, esteemed, prestigious, reputed, respected, authorized, legal, licensed, permissible, permitted, approved, endorsed, sanctioned, clean, correct, decorous, exemplary, proper, seemly, blameless, commendable, creditable, guiltless

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Infamous

The most common words with a similar meaning to Infamous:

discreditable, disgraceful, dishonorable, disreputable, ignominious, louche, notorious, opprobrious, shady, shameful, shoddy, shy, unrespectable

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Infamous

Words with the opposite meaning of Infamous:

honorable, reputable, respectable

Related Words for Infamous

bad, criminal, immoral, seamy, sordid, unethical, unsavory, wicked, base, contemptible, despicable, detestable, dirty, low, mean, miserable, vile, wretched, evil, iniquitous, nefarious, rotten, sinful, unrighteous, vicious, villainous, wrong, blamable, blameworthy, censurable

Near Antonyms of Infamous

decent, ethical, good, honest, just, moral, noble, principled, righteous, upright, upstanding, esteemed, prestigious, reputed, respected, authorized, legal, licensed, permissible, permitted, approved, endorsed, sanctioned, clean, correct, decorous, exemplary, proper, seemly, blameless

Word Forms of Infamous

Derived words: infamously (adverb)

Origin & Etymology of Infamous

Middle English, from Latin infamis, from in- + fama fame

First known use: 14th century

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Infamous

Frequently Asked Questions about Infamous

What does "Infamous" mean?

"Infamous" means having a reputation of the worst kind, notoriously evil. As an adjective, it is defined as: having a reputation of the worst kind, notoriously evil.

What is another word for "Infamous"?

Other words for "Infamous" include discreditable, disgraceful, dishonorable, disreputable, ignominious, louche, notorious and opprobrious. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Infamous" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Infamous"?

There are 56 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Infamous". Common alternatives include discreditable, disgraceful, dishonorable, disreputable, ignominious, louche, notorious, opprobrious, shady and shameful.

What is the opposite of "Infamous"?

Antonyms of "Infamous" include honorable, reputable and respectable. Near antonyms include decent, ethical, good and honest.

How do you use "Infamous" in a sentence?

Examples of "Infamous" in a sentence: "the infamous criminal who remains known only by the moniker of Jack the Ripper".

Is "Infamous" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Infamous" is an adjective.

Is "Infamous" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a C1-level word, "Infamous" is typical of Cambridge C1 Advanced (CAE), IELTS band 7.0–8.0, TOEFL iBT 95–113, PTE Academic 76–84, TOEIC Listening & Reading 945+. Advanced words like this are also useful for the GRE, SAT, GMAT, and LSAT.

How do you pronounce "Infamous"?

"Infamous" is pronounced /ˈin-fə-məs/ and divided into syllables as in·fa·mous.