ignominious

ig·no·min·i·ous

adjective \ˌig-nə-ˈmi-nē-əs\

Definition of IGNOMINIOUS

1

: marked with or characterized by disgrace or shame : dishonorable

2

: deserving of shame or infamy : despicable

3

: humiliating, degrading <suffered an ignominious defeat>

— ig·no·min·i·ous·ly adverb

— ig·no·min·i·ous·ness noun

Examples of IGNOMINIOUS

1. <some of his friends considered the job of janitor to be an ignominious fate for the laid-off executive>
2. <the prison guards degraded themselves with their inhumane, ignominious treatment of the prisoners>

First Known Use of IGNOMINIOUS

15th century

Related to IGNOMINIOUS

Synonyms

discreditable, disgraceful, dishonorable, disreputable, infamous, louche, notorious, opprobrious, shady, shameful, shoddy, shy, unrespectable

Antonyms

honorable, reputable, respectable

Related Words

bad, criminal, immoral, seamy, sordid, unethical, unsavory, wicked; base, contemptible, despicable, detestable, dirty, low, mean, miserable, vile, wretched; black, evil, iniquitous, nefarious, rotten, sinful, unrighteous, vicious, villainous, wrong; blamable, blameworthy, censurable, inglorious, reprehensible; corrupt, debased, debauched, degenerate, depraved, dissolute, gamy (or gamey), libertine, loose, perverted, reprobate

Near Antonyms

decent, ethical, good, honest, just, moral, noble, principled, righteous, upright, upstanding; esteemed, prestigious, reputed, respected; authorized, legal, licensed, permissible, permitted; approved, endorsed (also indorsed), sanctioned; clean, correct, decorous, exemplary, proper, seemly; blameless, commendable, creditable, guiltless

Rhymes with IGNOMINIOUS

consanguineous