inglorious
UK[ɪnˈɡlɔːriəs]US[ɪnˈɡlɔːriəs]
adj
causing shame or a loss of honor; dishonorable.
adj
not famous or honored; obscure.
Morpheme Breakdown
in
glorious
in
not
glorious
honorable, famous
Etymology
the word 'inglorious' is a direct borrowing from latin inglorius, which itself was formed from the negative prefix in- and the adjective gloriosus (full of glory, renowned). the latin gloria (glory, fame) is of uncertain origin, though it may be related to older indo-european roots concerning speech or renown. the english term preserves the original latin construction's logical meaning, combining negation with the state of honor or fame. thus, 'inglorious' literally means "without glory," describing either a shameful action or an obscure, forgotten status.
Analysis
Structure: in (not) + glorious (honorable, famous)
in: a latin prefix meaning "not" or "without".
glorious: from latin gloriosus, meaning "full of glory, famous". in this word, it functions as the base adjective.
Examples
the general's inglorious defeat was remembered for its tactical blunders.
he feared an inglorious end, forgotten by history.
the scandal brought an inglorious close to his otherwise distinguished career.