If someone or something is infamous, they are well-known for something bad or shameful. It is the opposite of being famous for good reasons.
It comes from Latin “infamis,” meaning “of bad reputation” or “disgraced,” from “in-” (not) and “fama” (reputation, fame). The word moved through Old French into English, keeping its negative sense.
Infamous isn’t just “very famous”—it’s “famous in the wrong way.” The word reminds us that being widely known and being admirable are completely different things. History books are full of people who are more infamous than famous, yet we remember their names anyway.
Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.