infamous
word
/ˈɪnfəməs/
/ˈɪnfəməs/
Definition
Famous for something bad or negative, such as being involved in a crime or a shameful act.
Usage & Nuances
'Infamous' always suggests a negative reputation. It is often confused with 'famous'—'famous' can be positive or neutral, but 'infamous' is always bad. Common collocations: 'infamous criminal', 'infamous event'. Used in both formal and informal contexts.
Spanish: infame - de mala famaPortuguese (BR): infame - de má famaPortuguese (PT): infame - de má famaChinese (Simplified): 臭名昭著 - 声名狼藉Chinese (Traditional): 臭名昭著 - 聲名狼藉Hindi: कुख्यातArabic: سيئ السمعةBengali: কুখ্যাতRussian: печально известныйJapanese: 悪名高いVietnamese: khét tiếngKorean: 악명 높은Turkish: kötü şöhretli - adı kötüye çıkmışUrdu: بدنامIndonesian: terkenal buruk - terkenal jahat
Example Sentences
The infamous leader was known for his cruelty.
basic
That street is infamous for its dangerous traffic.
basic
He became infamous after the scandal.
basic
That restaurant is infamous for terrible service, but the food is great.
natural
The town became infamous after the huge robbery last year.
natural
His infamous laugh could be heard from across the room.
natural