dubious fame

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "dubious fame" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone or something that is famous for questionable reasons or has a reputation that is not entirely positive. Example: "The actor gained dubious fame after being involved in several scandals that overshadowed their talent."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

Soon she's red-hot with book deals, endorsements, panting agents, TV offers and the usual remora of dubious fame.

The New York Times - Books

South Africans have compared the worldwide fascination with Semenya's gender to the dubious fame of another South African woman whose body captivated Europeans: Saartjie Baartman, the Hottentot Venus.

The New Yorker

Over-the-Rhine is accorded 15 minutes of dubious fame in the drug-drenched movie "Traffic," where it is put forward as the ultimate in urban squalor.

The New York Times - Arts

Curiously, in the case of Lord Armstrong, who achieved dubious fame as "the inventor of modern artillery", what he wanted was waterfalls, grottos, and arched bridges in a landscaped private garden.

Independent

Larry Walters, who achieved dubious fame in 1982 when he piloted a lawn chair attached to helium balloons 16,000 feet above Long Beach, has committed suicide at the age of 44.

Los Angeles Times

"Welcome to the Compton of today and the strides that are being made to return Compton to the beautiful, thriving suburban city it once was". The crime, especially the gang killings, that gave Compton its dubious fame so many years ago, has receded significantly.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Jenner, now 65, came to fame in the 1970s as a gold medal Olympian and then won a more dubious celebrity in recent years as part of the Kardashian clan of reality television stars.

Huffington Post

Now Padua has another dubious claim to fame.

The Guardian

Dead Horse Bay has one other dubious claim to fame.

The New York Times

This year's winner, with the dubious claim to fame, necked 27.

The Guardian - Travel

But his dubious claim to fame was a 21-match losing streak -- a Tour record -- in 2000.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "dubious fame", ensure the context clarifies why the fame is questionable. Provide details or examples to support the claim. This makes your writing more persuasive and informative.

Common error

Avoid using "dubious fame" as a generic negative descriptor. Instead, specify what makes the fame questionable to prevent ambiguity and enhance clarity. Don't just say someone has "dubious fame"; explain the reason for it.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "dubious fame" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "dubious" modifies the noun "fame". It describes a state of being widely known or recognized, but for reasons that are questionable or morally ambiguous. As Ludwig confirms, it is a correct and usable phrase in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the expression "dubious fame" describes recognition achieved through questionable or unethical means, signaling a negative or critical perspective. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. While not extremely frequent, it appears mainly in news and media contexts, holding a neutral register. For alternative expressions, you might consider "questionable renown" or "infamy", depending on the specific shade of meaning you wish to convey. When employing the phrase, ensure contextual clarity to underscore the specific reasons that the fame is indeed "dubious".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

questionable renown

Replaces "fame" with "renown", emphasizing the uncertainty surrounding the positive regard.

ill repute

Focuses on the negative reputation associated with the fame.

infamy

Highlights the state of being known for something bad or evil.

notoriety

Emphasizes being known, especially for unfavorable reasons.

tainted celebrity

Suggests that the fame has been corrupted or damaged.

discredited reputation

Focuses on the loss of a previously good reputation.

shady popularity

Implies the popularity comes from questionable activities or associations.

unflattering fame

Underlines that the fame is not positive or desirable.

controversial stardom

Indicates that the fame is linked to events or opinions that cause disagreement.

unenviable fame

Suggests that the fame is not something to be desired.

FAQs

What does "dubious fame" mean?

"Dubious fame" refers to being famous for reasons that are questionable, unethical, or not entirely positive. It suggests a reputation that is not entirely earned or honorable.

What can I say instead of "dubious fame"?

You can use alternatives like "questionable renown", "ill repute", or "infamy" depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

How is "dubious fame" different from "infamy"?

"Dubious fame" implies that the reasons for fame are questionable, while "infamy" specifically refers to being famous for negative or evil acts. "Dubious fame" is a broader term that doesn't necessarily involve wrongdoing.

Is it appropriate to use "dubious fame" in formal writing?

Yes, "dubious fame" is appropriate in formal writing as long as the context is clear and supports the claim. However, consider using more precise alternatives like "questionable renown" or "tainted celebrity" for greater impact and clarity.