infamous
infamous — adjective
1. well-known because of something bad, evil, or shameful that a person, place, or
well-known because of something bad, evil, or shameful that a person, place, or thing is connected with
The dictator's regime became infamous for its brutal treatment of political prisoners.
infamous for + noun phrase
An infamous war criminal was finally brought to trial after more than thirty years.
attributive use: infamous + noun
The hospital earned an infamous reputation after several patients died from infected medicine.
Baraka is infamous among his classmates for inventing wild stories about his summer holidays.
The apartment building became infamous when the roof collapsed during a heavy rainstorm.
- notorious
Very similar in meaning, but 'notorious' can sometimes be used more neutrally or even humorously (e.g. 'a notorious chatterbox'). 'Infamous' is reserved for seriously bad things.
- disreputable
Describes someone or something with a bad character or appearance, but not necessarily widely known. 'Infamous' implies broad public knowledge.
- scandalous
Focuses on the shocking or morally offensive nature of an act or situation, rather than the lasting reputation of a person or place.
- reputable
Describes someone or something with a good reputation, the direct opposite of 'infamous.'
文法句型
infamous + noun
infamous for (something)
infamous for (doing something)
用法筆記
Often followed by 'for' to state the reason for the bad reputation. Stronger than 'notorious' — 'infamous' carries a clearer moral judgment that the person or thing deserves its bad name.