noun
ignominy
IG-nuh-min-ee/ˈɪɡnəmɪni/
Public shame or disgrace.
The disgraced athlete suffers ignominy while surrendering the medal.
Etymology
The combination of “without” and “name” concerns the loss of a good name, not literal namelessness. Ignominy is the public shame or dishonor that damages a person's reputation.
In context
… the whole ignominy of this affair rested as an indelible disgrace upon her husband, as the only person to blame …
More examples
- She resigns in ignominy after the bribery scandal.
- He endures the ignominy of being publicly stripped of his awards.
- One dishonest deal brings ignominy on the entire firm.
Forms
ignominy · ignominies
ignominious adjective — Causing or marked by public disgrace.
Similar words
- disgrace
- A broader, more everyday term for loss of respect.
- shame
- Can describe private feelings without any public loss of respect.
- humiliation
- Emphasizes wounded pride or dignity rather than a damaged reputation.