Pronunciation: [ɐtˈe͡ɪntɪd] (IPA) 
The word "attainted" is spelled with three syllables: /əˈteɪntɪd/. The first syllable is pronounced with a schwa sound, similar to the "uh" sound in "abacus". The second syllable is stressed and contains the long "a" sound as in "aim". The final syllable has a short "i" sound, as in "pin". "Attainted" means to have been found guilty or condemned for a crime, and is commonly used in legal contexts.
Attainted is an adjective that refers to the state of being convicted and deprived of legal rights due to committing treason or a serious crime against the state. The term primarily finds its roots in the legal system and history, particularly in ancient English common law. When an individual is attainted, they are stripped of their civil rights, including the right to vote, hold public office, or inherit property. Attainder was a historically significant legal process in England, notably during the Middle Ages and the Renaissance period, where individuals accused of high treason or other serious offenses were declared traitors by an act of Parliament. Attainder involved the conviction and punishment of these individuals without the due process of law, often resulting in execution and confiscation of their assets. The heirs of the convicted person were also deemed guilty by association.
The concept of attainder has largely become obsolete in modern legal systems, including common law jurisdictions. The practice has been deemed unconstitutional in many countries as it violates the principles of natural justice and the right to a fair trial. However, the term "attainted" continues to be used in legal and historical contexts to describe individuals who were subjected to attainder in the past, highlighting their loss of rights and status as a result of their criminal actions against the state.
The word "attainted" has its origins in Middle English and Old French. It comes from the Old French word "ateindre", which means "to reach" or "to attain". In medieval English, the verb "atteyne" was used with the meaning of "to come into possession of" or "to achieve". Over time, the term "attaint" emerged to specifically refer to the loss of one's legal status or reputation due to being convicted of a crime. This sense of the word is now commonly used in legal contexts.
