What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
notoriety
Example
The politician gained notoriety for his involvement in the corruption scandal. [notoriety: noun]
Example
The criminal's notoriety made it difficult for him to find a job after his release from prison. [notoriety: noun]
ignominy
Example
The CEO resigned in ignominy after the company's financial scandal was exposed. [ignominy: noun]
Example
He felt a sense of ignominy after being caught cheating on the exam. [ignominy: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Notoriety is more commonly used than ignominy in everyday language. Notoriety is often used in news articles and media to describe people who are famous for negative reasons. Ignominy is a less common word and is typically used in more formal or literary contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between notoriety and ignominy?
Ignominy is a more formal word than notoriety. It is often used in literature or historical contexts to describe events or situations that involve a loss of dignity or respect. Notoriety, on the other hand, is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
