infamy (noun) - a bad or shameful reputation; fame for misdeeds [in-fuh-mee]
BREAKDOWN: IN- (not) + FAM- (to speak or tell) + -Y (state of)
infamous means notorious or well-known for something bad
See also: confabulate, ineffable
“If opinion hath lighted the lamp of thy name, endeavor to encourage it with thy own oil, lest it go out and stink; the chronical disease of Popularity is shame; if thou be once up, beware; from fame to infamy is a beaten road.” —Francis Quarles
