1
Core quality
Widely known, especially for something bad, harmful, or unfavourable.
Example
The intersection is notorious for accidents.
notorious
/nəʊˈtɔːriəs/ · noh-TOR-ee-usadjective
Widely known, especially for something bad, harmful, or unfavourable.
Use notorious to express this relationship precisely: widely known, especially for something bad, harmful, or unfavourable.
What notorious Really Means
The word becomes easier to use when its closely related senses are separated and compared.
2
Attributive or predicative use
Use this adjective before a suitable noun or after a linking verb such as be or seem.
Example
A notorious fraud damaged the institution's reputation.
3
Analytical distinction
Choose it when this exact descriptive quality matters; a related word may overlap without conveying the same trait.
Example
The ruler became notorious for arbitrary punishments.
Use notorious Naturally
Notice how the surrounding noun or clause reveals the exact shade of meaning.
The intersection is notorious for accidents.
A notorious fraud damaged the institution's reputation.
The ruler became notorious for arbitrary punishments.
Precision Matters
Notorious overlaps with several common words, but each carries a different emphasis.
notorious
vs.Means widely known, especially for something bad, harmful, or unfavourable.
exemplary
Means outstandingly good and worthy of imitation; serving as an admirable model.
notorious
vs.Means widely known, especially for something bad, harmful, or unfavourable.
prestige
Means high respect, admiration, status, or influence gained through achievement, quality, reputation, or association.
notorious
vs.Means widely known, especially for something bad, harmful, or unfavourable.
prominent
Means important, well known, or readily noticeable because it stands out.
notorious
vs.Means widely known, especially for something bad, harmful, or unfavourable.
ignominious
Means deserving or causing public shame, humiliation, or disgrace.
Test notorious in Context
It is widely known for serious wrongdoing.
1
The company became ___ for concealing defects and threatening whistle-blowers.