English dictionary, thesaurus, translations & etymology
FreeDict.com
noun C2 Proficient Uncommon

notoriety

noh-tuh-REYE-uh-tee
Quiz me More like this

Notoriety (noun) means the state of being well known for something bad; infamy. Example: “The scandal brought the politician a great deal of notoriety.”

noun
1
The state of being well known for something bad; infamy.
"The scandal brought the politician a great deal of notoriety."

How to use notoriety

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishFame, but for something negative rather than good.

Common mistake

Don't confuse with plain "fame" — notoriety always implies a negative reputation.

Easily confused with
Common pairings
gain notoriety rise to notoriety
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like notoriety.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice

Word forms

Plural
notorieties
Test yourself on “notoriety” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The scandal brought the politician a great deal of _____.

Etymology

From Middle French notoriété, ultimately from Latin notus ("known").

Origin: Latin

ill fame infamy

Antonyms

Related words

Rhymes for notoriety

See all rhymes for notoriety →

Frequently asked questions

What does “notoriety” mean?
The word “notoriety” means the state of being well known for something bad; infamy. In plain terms, fame, but for something negative rather than good.
How do you pronounce “notoriety”?
“Notoriety” is pronounced noh-tuh-REYE-uh-tee (/noʊ.tɚ.aɪ.ə.ti/ in IPA).
How do you use “notoriety” in a sentence?
Here is “notoriety” used in a sentence: “The scandal brought the politician a great deal of notoriety.”
What part of speech is “notoriety”?
“Notoriety” is a noun.
Where does the word “notoriety” come from?
The word “notoriety” comes from Latin. From Middle French notoriété, ultimately from Latin notus ("known").
Is “notoriety” a common word?
“Notoriety” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the C2 level.

People also searched