infamous

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "infamous" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe someone or something that is well-known for a negative reason or bad reputation. Example: "The infamous criminal was finally captured after years of evading the law."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Like him, the other detainees had been snatched by US soldiers from Iraq's towns and cities and flown to a place that had already become infamous: a foreboding desert fortress that would shape the legacy of the US presence in Iraq.

The Guardian

He is understood to have been offered another deal to carry on posing the questions to contestants facing him in the infamous black chair.

The Guardian

Actually governing Malawi in her own right has been much harder, made much more so by the infamous Cashgate scandal which has dogged her administration since it broke in October last year.

The Guardian

That announcement was also the source of Twitter's infamous "quadrant" guidance, when the company attempted to explain which uses of its API were acceptable, and which weren't.

The Guardian - Tech

Experts in the field include Deadmau5 identified by his mouse silhouette and Skrillex, infamous for his dramatic entries, like descending onto stage at Glastonbury Festival by spaceship.

The Guardian

Just a few weeks later, on 29 August, Tesco executives issued their now infamous forecast – the one that exaggerated their likely profits by 25%.

The Guardian - Opinion

Root knows what it's like to be on the receiving end of a punch from a fellow professional having been the subject of Warner's ire during their infamous dust-up at Birmingham's Walkabout bar during the 2013 Champions Trophy.

The Guardian - Sport

Echoing the infamous 1962-3 fairground series taken by the Beatles Hamburgg contemporary and friend Jürgen Vollmer, McCullin's 1965 photographs, which are shown on the magazine spread above, capture the fairground's atmosphere of wild carnival.

The Guardian

Now, you're staring at the prospect of paying the infamous "marriage penalty": the higher tax rate that married couples face if they file joint tax returns (something that has been possible since the supreme court struck down the part of the Defense of Marriage Act banning the federal government – and thus the IRS – from recognizing same-sex marriages).

The Guardian - Money

Open Wed-Sat 1pm-6pm and by appointment Sex, drugs and art make familiar bedfellows, and they all contributed to the formation of this gallery in the heart of Amsterdam's infamous red light district.

The Guardian - Travel

The infamous wink caught on camera during talk-back radio, when the caller revealed she does phone sex work, was a particularly insensitive look from Abbott given she was also telling him about the hardships she faces from his budget.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "infamous", consider whether a more specific term (e.g., 'corrupt', 'treacherous', 'scandalous') might be more appropriate for the situation.

Common error

Don't use "infamous" for minor or trivial negative attention. The term implies a significant degree of widespread negative recognition.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "infamous" is as an adjective. It modifies a noun to indicate that the noun is widely known for negative reasons. Ludwig AI's examples confirm its adjectival role in various contexts, such as "infamous traitor" or "infamous deed."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The adjective "infamous" is used to describe something or someone widely known for negative reasons. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and primarily functions as an adjective. It is prevalent in News & Media and Formal & Business contexts. Alternatives include "notorious" or "disreputable". When using "infamous", ensure the subject indeed warrants such a negative reputation to avoid misuse. It's important to note that the word is not appropriate for every context and can be seen as sensational if used for minor or trivial negative attention.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Notorious

This term is nearly synonymous, emphasizing widespread knowledge of someone's negative qualities.

Disreputable

Focuses more on a lack of respectability due to one's actions or character.

Ill-famed

A more formal and somewhat archaic alternative, directly contrasting with 'well-famed'.

Of ill repute

Highlights the negative standing or estimation held by others.

Scandalous

Implies that the negative reputation is due to involvement in scandals.

Dishonorable

Emphasizes a lack of ethical or moral principles.

Shameful

Highlights the feeling of disgrace associated with an action or person.

Opprobrious

A formal term indicating something that brings disgrace or condemnation.

Ignominious

Highlights the public shame and disgrace associated with something.

Degraded

Focuses on a loss of status or respect, often due to negative actions.

FAQs

How does the meaning of "infamous" differ from "famous"?

"Infamous" describes someone or something known widely for negative reasons, such as bad deeds or a terrible reputation, while "famous" describes someone or something known widely for positive or neutral reasons.

What can I say instead of "infamous"?

You can use alternatives like "notorious", "disreputable", or "ill-famed", depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "infamous" in formal writing?

Yes, "infamous" is appropriate for formal writing when describing someone or something with a widely recognized negative reputation. However, ensure that the context supports this level of notoriety.

What is the difference between "infamous" and "unpopular"?

"Infamous" implies widespread negative recognition and often moral condemnation, while "unpopular" simply means not liked by many people without necessarily implying any wrongdoing. In this case, someone can be unpopular without being "infamous" and vice versa.