notorious

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "notorious" is correct and usable in written English.
It is an adjective that means "widely known for some bad quality or deed." You can use it in a variety of contexts. For example: Jack was notorious for his violent temper, and everyone in town was afraid of him.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

(I confess I felt a lot like John Waters in the 1980s, when he attended – for research purposes, and alone – a Saturday-morning screening of The Care Bears Movie during the notorious McMartin pre-school devil-worship and child-abuse trial).

The Guardian - Film

The old collection of buildings that made up the original concentration camp was not big enough to house all those caught in mass arrests, so inmates were forced to work 12- to 15-hour days to construct a new camp next door that would become notorious as the Nazis' biggest death camp.

The Guardian

The house, known as Fortress Fitt after security grills and an entry phone system were installed, was in an area of north Belfast patchworked with Protestant and Catholic enclaves, and notorious for the highest number of sectarian attacks in the province.

The Guardian

Fresnes is of the same vintage as La Santé and boasts a similar roll-call of notorious ex-cons.

The Guardian

And while local people along the route fear for their links, these counties have also seen some of the most notorious incidents at level crossings – at Elsenham in Essex and Beccles in Suffolk.

The Guardian

Most notorious of all was Cannibal Holocaust's depiction of the slaughter of wild animals.

The Guardian - Film

In 2010, notwithstanding the notorious note left by the retiring chief secretary to the Treasury, we were not broke.

The Guardian - Business

Over 30 years he became notorious within the prison system as a trouble maker, with the parole board ultimately declaring him a "fully paid up member of the awkward squad".

The Guardian

Today, two years after the death of the notorious dictator, the house, which he used as an office, is opening as a visitor attraction.

The Guardian

Australia is notorious in Britain for its startling variety of causes of death, thanks to its violent wildlife and the dangerous heat of its empty desert roads.

The Guardian

The notorious "Bedlam" was founded in the middle ages and may have specialised in mental illness as early as the 14th century.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "notorious" when you want to emphasize that someone or something is widely known, specifically because of negative or undesirable qualities. This word adds a layer of gravity and public awareness to the subject's negative attributes.

Common error

Avoid using "notorious" when "famous" is more appropriate. "Notorious" always carries a negative connotation, whereas "famous" is neutral and can be positive. For instance, a "notorious" criminal is known for their crimes, while a "famous" actor is known for their talent.

Linguistic Context

Notorious functions as an adjective, modifying nouns to indicate that they are widely known for negative or undesirable traits. It adds a layer of infamy or ill-repute to the subject. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the word is correct and usable in written English, signifying something "widely known for some bad quality or deed."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the adjective "notorious" is used to describe something or someone widely known for negative reasons. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in written English. It is grammatically correct and frequently found in news and media contexts, conveying a sense of infamy or ill-repute. While alternatives like "infamous" or "scandalous" exist, "notorious" specifically emphasizes widespread negative recognition. Remember to avoid using it in place of neutral terms like "famous", and ensure it aligns with the intended negative connotation in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

infamous

Refers specifically to being known for bad actions or qualities; slightly stronger negative connotation.

ill-famed

An older, less common synonym for "notorious", emphasizing a bad reputation.

scandalous

Highlights the aspect of causing public outrage or shock.

disreputable

Focuses on the lack of respectability or trustworthiness.

shameful

Emphasizes the feeling of disgrace or dishonor.

well-known for wrongdoing

A more descriptive phrase emphasizing the association with negative actions.

of ill repute

A formal expression highlighting a negative reputation.

badly reputed

Directly indicates a poor reputation.

ill-reputed

Similar to badly reputed, but less common.

famously wicked

Highlights wickedness as the reason for fame.

FAQs

How can I use "notorious" in a sentence?

Use "notorious" to describe someone or something widely and unfavorably known. For example, "The prison is "notorious" for its harsh conditions".

What's a good substitute for "notorious"?

Alternatives include "infamous", "ill-famed", or "scandalous", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "notorious" in formal writing?

Yes, "notorious" is appropriate in formal writing when describing something or someone widely known for negative reasons. Its use adds a layer of severity and public knowledge to the description.

What is the difference between "notorious" and "famous"?

"Notorious" implies widespread knowledge due to negative qualities or actions, while "famous" simply means widely known, without any inherent judgment of character or quality. A celebrity might be famous, but a criminal is often notorious.