notorious

/nəʊˈtɔːɹɪəs/adjective

Famous for a bad reason; well known for something people disapprove of.

Example sentences

“This junction is notorious for accidents during rush hour.”
“The notorious gangster spent twenty years in prison.”

Always unfavourable: a criminal is notorious, a hero is famous. Using it as plain 'famous' invites misreading.

Featured as word of the day on March 5, 2026.

Synonyms for notorious

infamous

Often confused with notorious

notorious vs famous

Related words

noxiousPoisonous or damaging, especially to health.nuisanceSomething or someone that causes small but irritating problems.obdurateRefusing to change your behaviour or admit you are wrong, no matter what anyone says.obfuscateTo make something confusing or difficult to understand on purpose.obliterateTo destroy something so completely that nothing remains.negligentFailing to take proper care or give enough attention to something.