Infamy, viable and viability

[lo2]

Hi there can you please take a look at this:

"That computer is not a viable option as it is far too slow for you. It would almost be infamy of me to sell you this computer."

"The tax reform you are proposing lacks viability as it is far too complex and entails more bureaucracy!"

Are the words viable, infamy and viability used correctly?

Thanks in advance.

 

[bhaisahab]

Hi there can you please take a look at this:

"That computer is not a viable option as it is far too slow for you. It would almost be infamy of me to sell you this computer."

"The tax reform you are proposing lacks viability as it is far too complex and entails more bureaucracy!"

Are the words viable, infamy and viability used correctly?

Thanks in advance.

"Infamy" is a noun and is not correctly used.
"Viable" is OK, but I wouldn't use it there.
If something lacks viability it is unlikely to work, I suppose it's OK in your sentence.

 

[lo2]

"Infamy" is a noun and is not correctly used.
"Viable" is OK, but I wouldn't use it there.
If something lacks viability it is unlikely to work, I suppose it's OK in your sentence.

Ah ok.

Then what about:

It would be an infamy if I sold you this piece of junk.

Can you use it like that?

 

[Raymott]

Ah ok.

Then what about:

It would be an infamy if I sold you this piece of junk.

Can you use it like that?

Yes, "infamy" can be used for acts, though it's more commonly used for reputations.
You could say " It would almost be infamy for me to sell you this computer."

 

[lo2]

Yes, "infamy" can be used for acts, though it's more commonly used for reputations.
You could say " It would almost be infamy for me to sell you this computer."

Ah ok.

So it has to be directed towards a person, whose act is infamous, which you then just call infamy.

For instance:

It would be infamy for me to do this.

It would be infamously to do this.

Well English sure is tricky :shock: ... Always some new word lurking around the corner.

 

[5jj]

It would be infamy for me to do this.

It would be infamously to do this.

The first is not natural English. The second is wrong.

Here is an interesting use: ‪Carry on Cleo - Infamy‬‏ - YouTube

 

[TomUK]

Not a teacher

My dictionary says "infamy" is an abominable act. What happened in Norway over the weekend I would call an infamy.

If you were to sell me a knackered computer, that would be an outrage.


When I read the word "infamy" I always think of Julius Caesar's famous last words:

"Infamy! Infamy! They've all got it in for me!"


Well, never mind, carry on.


TomUK

 

[Hedwig]

Perhaps the computer salesman loves hyperbole. ;-)

 

[lo2]

Not a teacher

My dictionary says "infamy" is an abominable act. What happened in Norway over the weekend I would call an infamy.

If you were to sell me a knackered computer, that would be an outrage.


When I read the word "infamy" I always think of Julius Caesar's famous last words:

"Infamy! Infamy! They've all got it in for me!"


Well, never mind, carry on.


TomUK

Yeah well so I guess you can say that infamy is a stronger word than for instance outrage, which means infamy should be used to describe truly cruel act or something like that?

 

[Raymott]

Yeah well so I guess you can say that infamy is a stronger word than for instance outrage, which means infamy should be used to describe truly cruel act or something like that?

Maybe, but "infamy" is not a common word for actions - it's rare these days. It's usually used for reputations.
"The Norwegian massacre was an atrocity. The guy's name will live in infamy."
I don't think anyone has called this act an "infamy" (that I recall). It's just not that commonly used that way.