Today's Popular Words
Ignominious
- Today's Word
Ignominious
ig-nuh-MIN-ee-us
Definition
(adjective) Deserving or causing public shame, humiliation, or disgrace.
Example
The team’s ignominious defeat became the talk of the league for weeks.
Word Origin
From Latin ignominia, meaning “disgrace” (in- “not” + nomen “name, reputation”).
Fun Fact
In older English, an ignominious punishment meant one designed to publicly shame the offender—branding, stocks, dunce caps, and other visible displays of dishonor. Today, the word is most often used metaphorically, describing humiliating losses, failures, or scandals. Its power comes from the social nature of shame: an ignominious moment sticks not because you remember it… but because everyone else does.
Top 12 Benefits of Learning New Words
Expanding your vocabulary can offer a wide range of benefits that contribute to personal, academic, and professional growth. Learn some of the advantages.
