notoriety
C1Formal, journalistic
Definition
Meaning
The state of being famous or well-known, typically for some bad quality or deed.
Widespread public recognition, especially of an undesirable kind; infamy.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Unambiguously negative connotation; implies public knowledge of disreputable actions. Differs from 'fame' or 'renown' which can be positive.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage.
Connotations
Identically negative in both varieties.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in British news media, but common in both.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[verb] + notoriety (e.g., achieve/gain notoriety)notoriety + [preposition] + [noun] (e.g., notoriety for fraud)adjective + notoriety (e.g., international notoriety)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A notoriety to rival...”
- “Achieved notoriety as...”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used to describe companies or executives known for scandals (e.g., 'The firm gained notoriety for its accounting practices').
Academic
Used in historical, sociological, or legal contexts to discuss infamous figures or events.
Everyday
Less common in casual conversation; typically used in discussing news stories about criminals or scandals.
Technical
Not a technical term, but used in media studies, criminology, and history.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The gang notorietised the neighbourhood. (RARE/ARCHAIC)
American English
- (No standard verb form; 'became notorious' is used.)
adverb
British English
- He was notoriously late to every meeting.
American English
- The bridge is notoriously unsafe.
adjective
British English
- The notorious criminal was finally captured.
American English
- He's a notorious cheat in business dealings.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- He is bad and many people know his name.
- The thief gained notoriety after the big robbery.
- The company achieved international notoriety for its environmental violations.
- Her notoriety as a ruthless negotiator preceded her, making potential partners wary.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'NOTORIETY' sounds like 'NOTED for poor behaviour'. It's fame you do NOT want.
Conceptual Metaphor
NOTORIETY IS A STAIN (on one's reputation).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid translating as 'известность' without context, as that is neutral. 'Дурная слава' or 'известность (в отрицательном смысле)' are closer.
- Do not confuse with 'noteworthy' (достойный внимания), which is positive.
Common Mistakes
- Using it to mean positive fame (e.g., *'The scientist's notoriety for her discovery...').
- Confusing 'notorious' (adj) with 'notoriety' (noun) in sentence structure.
Practice
Quiz
Which sentence uses 'notoriety' correctly?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, 'notoriety' is exclusively negative. For positive widespread recognition, use 'fame', 'renown', or 'celebrity'.
They are very close synonyms. 'Infamy' can be slightly stronger, often implying a lasting, profound disgrace, whereas 'notoriety' emphasizes the state of being widely known for something bad.
It is more common in formal, journalistic, or academic contexts than in everyday casual conversation.
The related adjective is 'notorious'.