3 syllables: In, fa, mous. Stress on In.
IN-fuh-muhs
/ˈɪnfəməs/
Infamous is pronounced IN-fuh-muhs (/ˈɪnfəməs/). It has three syllables (In-fa-mous), with the stress on "In". Infamous is an adjective meaning well known for bad quality or evil acts; it is used to describe a person or event that has a negative reputation that is widely recognized. The term implies notoriety rather than mere fame, often with a judgment about the behavior associated with the name. It conveys a sense of public infamy rather than admiration.
nounInfamous is an adjective meaning well known for bad quality or evil acts; it is used to describe a person or event that has a negative reputation that is widely recognized. The term implies notoriety rather than mere fame, often with a judgment about the behavior associated with the name. It conveys a sense of public infamy rather than admiration.
How to Pronounce Infamous
"The infamous pirate Blackbeard inspired fear across the Caribbean in the early 18th century."
"The city became infamous for its traffic jams and poor air quality."
"Her infamous temper often erupted during stressful nights at work."
Infamous is pronounced IN-fuh-muhs, with the primary stress on the first syllable. IPA: US/UK/AU /ˈɪn.fə.məs/. Start with a short, crisp 'ih' sound, then a schwa in the second syllable, and a light, unstressed final 'məs' cluster. Think of “in” + “fame” with a reduced middle vowel: in-fuh-muss. Listen for the crisp initial consonant and the unstressed, softer ending.
Common mistakes include stressing the second syllable (in-FAM-ous) or saying the final 'ous' as a full 'ohs' instead of a reduced 'məs'. Another error is merging the first two syllables too slowly. Correct by practicing IN- as a strong, short syllable, /ɪn/; then reduce the middle vowel to a schwa /ə/ in /fə/; end with /məs/ rather than /mous/.
US/UK/AU share the primary stress on the first syllable /ˈɪn.fə.məs/. In rhotic accents (US), the /r/ is not present in this word, but critics may influence the preceding vowel quality slightly. UK non-rhotic speakers maintain a clear /ˈɪn.fə.məs/ with less linking. Australian accents tend to be flatter vowels and a slightly shorter /ə/; rhythm remains stressed on the first syllable. Overall, the vowel quality and syllable timing are similar, with minor vowel shifts.
The main challenge is the reduced second syllable /fə/ and the unstressed final /məs/. Many learners misplace stress due to the word’s spelling suggesting a middle emphasis. The final /əs/ can blend. Focus on keeping the first syllable strong and quickly reduce the middle to a schwa, then clearly articulate the final /məs/ with a light, relaxed mouth.
Yes: the word’s four phonemes combine a stressed initial /ɪ/ with a reduced middle /fə/ and an ending /məs/. The double-consonant rhythm can cause lengthening if not careful. Ensure the /n/ closes the initial syllable strongly and that the /m/ transitions directly into the schwa without an extra vowel. This keeps the word compact and natural.
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Infamous comes from the Latin infamis, meaning “not of good repute,” formed from in- (not) + famosus (famous). Famosus itself derives from famosus (famed) which originates from fāma (talk, report, reputation). The English adoption appears by the 15th century, initially with connotations of public notoriety attached to crimes or disreputable deeds. Over time, infamous retained a negative valence, emphasizing moral condemnation rather than mere fame. The suffix -ous marks adjectives describing characteristic qualities; infamis evolved to specifically convey “ill famed.” In modern usage, infamous is commonly paired with scandals, crimes, or infamous individuals, maintaining its judgmental nuance while remaining a standard lexeme in journalism and literature. Early records show formings like infamité in French influence, but the current English sense is firmly rooted in Latin, passing into Middle English and settling into contemporary usage by the 17th–18th centuries as print media amplified notoriety. First known uses appear in moralistic or critical prose, signaling condemnation of reputation rather than achievement.
💡 Etymology tip: Understanding word origins can help you remember pronunciation patterns and recognize related words in the same language family.
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💡 These words have similar meanings to "Infamous" and can often be used interchangeably.
🔄 These words have opposite meanings to "Infamous" and show contrast in usage.
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Words that rhyme with "Infamous"
-ess sounds
-ous sounds
Practice with these rhyming pairs to improve your pronunciation consistency:
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