notorious for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "notorious for" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe something as well known, especially in a negative way. For example, "The fighter was notorious for his aggressive tactics in the ring."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Cocaine is notorious for promoting violence.

The New Yorker

Now he's notorious for being uxorious.

The New York Times

Mexican elections were once notorious for fraud.

The Economist

Indian courts are notorious for long delays.

The New York Times

Defence procurement is notorious for overruns.

The Economist

The north-east is notorious for corruption.

The Economist

German is particularly notorious for them.

The Economist

MPPE was notorious for selling substandard diesel.

The Economist

These forces became notorious for their lawlessness.

Encyclopedia Britannica

(Mercedeses are notorious for this).

The New York Times

Nairobi is notorious for crime.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "notorious for" when you want to emphasize that something or someone is widely known for a negative or undesirable quality. Ensure that the context clearly reflects this negative connotation.

Common error

Avoid using "notorious for" when describing something positive or neutral. Opt for phrases like "famous for" or "well-known for" in such cases to accurately convey the intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

"Notorious for" functions as an adjective phrase followed by a preposition, modifying a noun or pronoun to describe its well-known, usually negative, attribute. As Ludwig AI explains, the phrase suggests widespread knowledge of an unfavorable trait. Examples from Ludwig illustrate its use in various contexts, such as "Nairobi is notorious for crime".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

51%

Wiki

18%

Science

17%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "notorious for" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe something or someone that is widely known for a negative attribute, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. Usage is most frequent in News & Media, Wiki and Science contexts. Remember to use it judiciously, ensuring the described subject indeed carries a negative reputation. For neutral or positive contexts, opt for alternatives such as "famous for" or "well-known for". With all this in mind, you should use "notorious for" with confidence.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

infamous for

Emphasizes a stronger negative connotation than "notorious for", suggesting widespread disapproval.

infamous because of

Similar to "infamous for", but emphasizes causality.

ill-famed for

A less common but direct synonym, highlighting negative reputation.

having a bad reputation for

A more verbose way of expressing the same negative renown.

disreputable for

Focuses on the lack of respect or credibility, a specific type of negative reputation.

scandalous for

Highlights the involvement in scandals or discreditable actions.

well-known for

A more neutral alternative, simply indicating widespread recognition without necessarily implying a negative attribute.

well known because of

Similar to "well-known for", but emphasizes causality.

famous for

Similar to "well-known for" but can also imply admiration or positive recognition, unlike "notorious for".

renowned for

Suggests a high level of respect and admiration, contrasting with the negative connotation of "notorious for".

FAQs

How can I use "notorious for" in a sentence?

Use "notorious for" to describe something or someone widely known for a negative trait or action. For instance, "The area is "notorious for" its high crime rate".

What are some alternatives to "notorious for"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "infamous for", "well-known for", or "ill-famed for".

Is it correct to use "notorious for" in a positive context?

No, "notorious for" carries a negative connotation. Use "famous for" or "renowned for" when referring to positive attributes.

What's the difference between "notorious for" and "famous for"?

"Notorious for" implies a negative or disreputable reputation, while "famous for" simply means widely known, without any inherent judgment.