What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
scandal
Example
The politician was involved in a major scandal that caused him to lose the election. [scandal: noun]
Example
The newspaper published a story about the celebrity's scandalous behavior at the party. [scandalous: adjective]
infamy
Example
The dictator's infamy spread throughout the world due to his cruel and oppressive regime. [infamy: noun]
Example
The criminal achieved infamy for his heinous crimes. [infamous: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Scandal is more commonly used in everyday language than infamy. Scandal is versatile and can be used in various contexts, while infamy is more formal and less frequently used.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between scandal and infamy?
Infamy is more formal than scandal and is often used in legal or historical contexts. Scandal is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.