Using infamous in a sentence helps you describe someone or something known widely for negative reasons. This word works well when you want to emphasize public notoriety rather than private reputation.
Grammar choices like adjective placement and preposition use affect how clearly readers grasp the level of scandal. The following reference details how to employ infamous accurately in different contexts.
| Example Sentence | Structure Type | Key Meaning | Register |
|---|---|---|---|
| The gangster became infamous after the televised trial. | Subject + linking verb + infamous | Wide recognition for crime or immorality | Formal to neutral |
| That prison camp is infamous for overcrowding and disease. | Linking verb + infamous + for phrase | Notorious due to specific conditions | Neutral to strong |
| His infamous remark sparked national debate online. | Adjective + noun + clause | Shocking statement with public backlash | Neutral to informal |
| The region is infamous for smuggling routes along the border. | Linking verb + infamous + for phrase | Known for illicit activity | Neutral |
Historical Use of Infamous in Descriptions
Writers often place infamous near nouns tied to cruelty, scandal, or long lasting damage. When you pair it with events or institutions, readers immediately sense moral judgment and widespread attention.
Sentence Patterns for Historical Context
Use patterns like the infamous empire collapsed
or an infamous decree changed laws for decades
. These structures highlight how reputation shaped outcomes in earlier eras.
Grammar Rules for Infamous in Modern Sentences
Place infamous before nouns or after forms of to be
to keep sentences clear. Avoid using it as a simple synonym for famous
unless the context strongly implies negative renown.
Correct and Incorrect Arrangements
Correct: The dictator ruled with an infamous cruelty. Correct: His rule was infamous. Incorrect: He infamous ordered the attack. Incorrect: She is a famous criminal.
Style Tips for Engaging Writing
Varying sentence length while keeping infamous near strong verbs helps maintain reader interest. Use concrete details so that the notoriety feels real rather than abstract.
Detail Choices That Strengthen Impact
Specify locations, dates, or consequences to show why someone or something earned this label. Readers connect more easily when they see evidence rather than vague labels.
Applying Infamous in Professional Contexts
Choosing scenarios where reputation directly affected outcomes helps readers see the stakes of using infamous accurately.
- Identify real events that triggered widespread negative recognition.
- Link the label to specific actions, not vague traits.
- Balance description with evidence to avoid sounding emotional.
- Prefer precise dates and sources when discussing public memory.
- Review tone to ensure it matches the formality of your document.
FAQ
Reader questions
Can I use infamous in a formal report about a company scandal?
Yes, the word suits formal reports when you describe sustained negative reputation backed by evidence.
Is it correct to say an infamous achievement?
Generally no, because achievements usually carry positive connotations, whereas infamous implies widespread disapproval.
How does infamous differ from notorious in everyday sentences?
Notorious is slightly milder and can apply to nonmoral topics like weather, while infamous typically signals serious moral or social condemnation.
Should I avoid this word when writing for international audiences?
Not necessarily, but you may add a brief clause explaining the specific actions that created the infamous reputation.