noun
ignominy
IG-nuh-min-ee
Ignominy (noun) means Public shame and loss of respect, especially following a humiliating failure or disgrace. Example: “They avoided the ignominy of relegation by a single point.”
noun
1
Public shame and loss of respect, especially following a humiliating failure or disgrace.
"They avoided the ignominy of relegation by a single point."
"He resigned rather than face the ignominy of a public inquiry."
2
formal An event or act that brings such shame.
"The final ignominy was being asked to return the trophy."
How to use ignominy
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishPublic shame after a very embarrassing failure.
When to use it
Formal and literary; very common in sports and political reporting.
Memory tip
The adjective shifts its stress: ignominy is IG-nuh-min-ee, but ignominious is ig-nuh-MIN-ee-uhs.
Trace the full origin ↓
Easily confused with
Common pairings
suffer the ignominy of
the ignominy of defeat
spared the ignominy
final ignominy
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They avoided the _____ of relegation by a single point.
Etymology
From Latin ignominia, from in-, 'not', and nomen, 'name' or 'reputation'.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for ignominy
See all rhymes for ignominy →Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between ignominy and infamy?
Ignominy is the shame and loss of standing suffered by the person disgraced, and it usually follows failure or humiliation. Infamy is lasting notoriety for something wicked, and it attaches to serious wrongdoing. Losing badly brings ignominy; a great crime brings infamy.
How is ignominy pronounced?
IG-nuh-min-ee, with the stress on the first syllable. The adjective ignominious moves the stress to the third syllable, ig-nuh-MIN-ee-uhs.
Is ignominy related to ignorance?
No. Ignominy comes from the Latin nomen, meaning name or reputation, so it literally means loss of good name. Ignorance comes from ignorare, to not know, and the resemblance is only in the first two syllables.
What is the meaning of ignominy?
"ignominy" (noun) means public shame and loss of respect, especially following a humiliating failure or disgrace.
