ignominiously
gb/ˈɪɡnəmˈinioʊsli/ us/ˈɪɡnəmˈinioʊsli/
C1
English
Senses
0 senses
adverb
formal
C1
property
1
in a humiliating way
In a way that makes someone look very embarrassed or ashamed.
Usage pattern:
[someone/something] [fails/loses/is defeated/is removed] ignominiously
Common mistake:
Often misspelled, and sometimes confused with words like "anonymously"; it relates to shame/disgrace (ignominy).
Synonyms
humiliatingly (More common and less formal.)
|
shamefully (Can add a moral judgment as well as embarrassment.)
|
disgracefully (Emphasizes loss of respect or honor.)
Antonyms
honorably (In a way that deserves respect rather than shame.)
|
creditably (In a way that reflects well, especially in competition.)
Collocations
lose ignominiously
|be defeated ignominiously
|fail ignominiously
|be beaten ignominiously
|collapse ignominiously
|resign ignominiously
|be dismissed ignominiously
|be forced out ignominiously
|retreat ignominiously
|be rejected ignominiously
Themes
emotions
|conflict
|sports
|work
Examples
- The team lost ignominiously, conceding three goals in ten minutes.
- After the scandal, he was ignominiously removed from office.
- The project ended ignominiously when the funding was pulled at the last moment.
Learner examples
- They lost ignominiously in the final.
- He was ignominiously fired.
adverb
formal
C1
property
2
in a disgraceful, dishonorable way
In a way that people think is very bad and shameful.
Usage pattern:
[someone] [acts/behaves/treats others] ignominiously
Common mistake:
Learners may overuse it for small embarrassments; it usually implies serious disgrace or humiliation.
Synonyms
disgracefully (Closest everyday equivalent.)
|
dishonorably (Highlights violation of honor or principles.)
|
shamefully (Strong disapproval; can be slightly less formal.)
Antonyms
respectably (In a socially acceptable way.)
|
nobly (In a way that earns admiration rather than contempt.)
Collocations
behave ignominiously
|act ignominiously
|treat someone ignominiously
|abandon someone ignominiously
|betray someone ignominiously
Themes
ethics
|society
|emotions
Examples
- The officials acted ignominiously, shifting blame onto junior staff.
- She felt he had behaved ignominiously toward the people who helped him.
- The company ignominiously ignored repeated safety warnings.
Learner examples
- He behaved ignominiously.
- They treated her ignominiously.
Grammar
Dictionary form
ignominiously
IPA
GB/ˈɪɡnəmˈinioʊsli/
US/ˈɪɡnəmˈinioʊsli/
Syllables & stress
ig - no - mini - ously (4 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (ig)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: ignominiously
- Plural: ignominiouslies
Word family
Forms
ignominiouslies
noun
Core family
ignominious
adjective C1
ignominy
noun
Expressions
be defeated ignominiously
1/bˈi dɪfˈitɪd ˈɪɡnəmˈinioʊsli/
fixed phrase
formal
be humiliated in defeat
To be beaten very badly and feel ashamed.
Examples
- The champions were defeated ignominiously at home.
- The army was defeated ignominiously after a series of poor decisions.
- Despite their confidence, they were defeated ignominiously in front of their fans.
be ignominiously dismissed
1/bˈi ˈɪɡnəmˈinioʊsli dɪsmˈɪst/
fixed phrase
formal
be fired in disgrace
To be fired in a very shameful way.
Examples
- He was ignominiously dismissed after the report found clear misconduct.
- Several executives were ignominiously dismissed amid allegations of fraud.
- She feared being ignominiously dismissed over a mistake she didn’t make.
fail ignominiously
1/fˈeɪl ˈɪɡnəmˈinioʊsli/
fixed phrase
formal
fail with public embarrassment
To fail very badly and feel ashamed.
Examples
- The new system failed ignominiously on its first day.
- His attempt to defend the decision failed ignominiously under questioning.
- The plan failed ignominiously because no one tested it properly.
lose ignominiously
1/lˈuz ˈɪɡnəmˈinioʊsli/
fixed phrase
formal
lose in a humiliating way
To lose very badly and feel ashamed.
Examples
- They lost ignominiously to a team ranked far below them.
- The candidate lost ignominiously, winning only a small fraction of the vote.
- After talking big all week, he lost ignominiously in the first round.