Famous vs. Infamous — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on November 6, 2023
Famous is known for positive reasons; infamous is known for negative reasons.
Difference Between Famous and Infamous
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Famous individuals are celebrated for their achievements or positive impact, often admired or held in high esteem by the public. They can be known across various fields such as entertainment, science, or politics for their contributions that are regarded positively. Being famous generally carries a connotation of reverence and honor.
Infamous, on the other hand, refers to having a reputation of the worst kind. It describes a person or an event that is known for a negative reason, such as a crime or scandal. Infamy is associated with disgrace, and those who are infamous are usually subjects of widespread condemnation rather than admiration.
While both famous and infamous denote a state of being well-known, the reasons behind this recognition differ markedly. A famous scientist may have made a groundbreaking discovery that benefits humanity, earning them widespread acclaim. Conversely, an infamous criminal would be known for acts that have led to public outrage or harm.
The distinction between famous and infamous is clear in the emotional response each word evokes. Fame often suggests respect and positive interest from the masses, while infamy suggests shock, disdain, or moral outrage. The famous are celebrated in history books and media for their positive legacies, while the infamous are often remembered for their transgressions or the negative impact they've had on society.
Comparison Chart
Connotation
Positive
Negative
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Perception
Admiration, respect
Disgrace, dishonor
Examples
Celebrities, notable leaders
Criminals, dictators
Public Reaction
Praise, emulation
Scorn, avoidance
Legacy
Honorable, enduring
Notorious, often shameful
Compare with Definitions
Famous
Widely known and esteemed.
Marie Curie is famous for her pioneering research on radioactivity.
Infamous
Associated with scandal, disgrace, or reproach.
The politician's infamous deal was exposed by the media.
Famous
Acknowledged with praise.
The famous author received a standing ovation at the book fair.
Infamous
Known widely and usually unfavorably.
The infamous gangster was finally captured by the police.
Famous
Marked by eminence and distinction.
The famous chef was invited to cook at the White House.
Infamous
Not respectable, not esteemed.
The company became infamous for its poor treatment of employees.
Famous
Immediately noticeable, widely and popularly known.
Oprah Winfrey is a famous television personality and philanthropist.
Infamous
Fallen from favor or a position of power or honor.
The athlete became infamous after the doping scandal.
Famous
Standing out so as to be readily perceived or noted.
Einstein is famous for his theory of relativity.
Infamous
Having an exceedingly bad reputation; notorious
An infamous outlaw.
Famous
Well or widely known.
Infamous
Causing or deserving severe public condemnation; heinous
"No person shall be held to answer for a capital, or otherwise infamous crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a Grand Jury" (US Constitution, Amendment 5).
Famous
First-rate; excellent
Had a famous time at the party.
Infamous
(Law) Convicted of a crime, such as treason or felony, that carries a severe punishment. No longer in technical use.
Famous
Known.
Infamous
Having a bad reputation; disreputable; notorious; unpleasant or evil; widely known, especially for something scornful.
He was an infamous traitor.
She is infamous for perjury.
Famous
In the public eye.
Some people are only famous within their city.
Infamous
Causing infamy; disgraceful.
This infamous deed tarnishes all involved.
Famous
To make famous; to bring renown to.
Infamous
Subject to a judicial punishment that deprived the infamous person of certain rights; this included a prohibition against holding public office, exercising the franchise, receiving a public pension, serving on a jury, or giving testimony in a court of law.
Famous
Celebrated in fame or public report; renowned; mach talked of; distinguished in story; - used in either a good or a bad sense, chiefly the former; often followed by for; as, famous for erudition, for eloquence, for military skill; a famous pirate.
Famous for a scolding tongue.
Infamous
Of very bad report; having a reputation of the worst kind; held in abhorrence; guilty of something that exposes to infamy; base; notoriously vile; detestable; as, an infamous traitor; an infamous perjurer.
False errant knight, infamous, and forsworn.
Famous
Widely known and esteemed;
A famous actor
A celebrated musician
A famed scientist
An illustrious judge
A notable historian
A renowned painter
Infamous
Causing or producing infamy; deserving detestation; scandalous to the last degree; as, an infamous act; infamous vices; infamous corruption.
Infamous
Branded with infamy by conviction of a crime; as, at common law, an infamous person can not be a witness.
Infamous
Having a bad name as being the place where an odious crime was committed, or as being associated with something detestable; hence, unlucky; perilous; dangerous.
Infamous hills, and sandy perilous wilds.
The piny shadeMore infamous by cursed Lycaon made.
Infamous
Having an exceedingly bad reputation;
A notorious gangster
The tenderloin district was notorious for vice
Infamous
Lacking honor, shifty.
The infamous spy was known for selling secrets to enemy states.
Common Curiosities
Is infamous always negative?
Yes, infamous indicates a negative reputation.
Can infamy be temporary?
Yes, opinions can change over time, potentially redeeming an infamous reputation.
Is being infamous better than being unknown?
This is subjective; some may prefer notoriety to obscurity, while others may value a good reputation.
Do famous people always have power?
Not necessarily; fame does not always equate to power, though it can influence it.
Can infamy affect someone's legacy?
Yes, it can overshadow other achievements and define a person's legacy.
Can a person be both famous and infamous?
Yes, it depends on perspective and context; someone can be celebrated in one circle and notorious in another.
Are all celebrities famous?
Typically, yes, as celebrities are known for their presence in the public eye.
Can fame lead to infamy?
Yes, if a famous person's actions lead to scandal or disgrace.
Can historical figures be considered infamous?
Yes, historical figures can be infamous if their actions during their lifetime were widely condemned.
Is fame always desired?
Not by everyone; some people may not want the attention that comes with fame.
Is being famous a sign of success?
Often, but not always; success is subjective and not solely determined by fame.
Can infamous people become famous for positive reasons later?
It's possible for someone to change public perception through positive actions.
Does infamy affect one's personal life?
Absolutely, it can lead to social ostracism and personal difficulties.
Can infamous acts be forgotten?
Over time, some infamous acts can be overshadowed by other events or fade from public memory.
Does the media always accurately represent fame and infamy?
No, media representations can be biased or sensationalized.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
