# notoriety

/ˌnoʊtɝˈaɪəti/ (US) · /nˌəʊtɔːɹˈaɪəti/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/notoriety
Updated: 2026-05-07

## Definition

the state of being famous for something bad. It is the kind of attention you get when you do something wrong or shocking.

For teachers: the state of being famous or widely known for some unfavorable act or quality. Often carries a negative connotation, distinguishing it from 'fame' or 'renown'.

## Examples

- The criminal gained notoriety after the daring bank robbery.
- The restaurant gained notoriety for its terrible service and overpriced menu items.
- While some influencers seek fame for their talents, others lean into notoriety by intentionally sparking public controversy to remain relevant in the digital landscape.

## Pitfalls

- Not "He has a great notoriety for his charity work." but "He has a great reputation for his charity work." — Notoriety is specifically for negative or bad things; use 'fame' or 'reputation' for positive things.

## Usage notes

- Often paired with the preposition 'for' to indicate the reason for the negative reputation.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.