MEANING
Widely known, especially for a bad quality, troubling act, or disreputable reputation.
Use it for
Use for someone or something widely known for an undesirable trait or deed.Give a character a reputation that precedes them and shapes others’ expectations.
Words that belong together
- notorious criminal
- notorious for delays
- notorious reputation
On the page
The notorious landlord repainted the damp walls whenever inspectors were expected.
Nearby words
Word forms
- Base
- notorious
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Usage notes
Usually carries a negative judgment; notorious is not a neutral substitute for merely famous.
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