notoriety
What does "notoriety" mean?
Notoriety refers to the state of being famous or well-known, typically for some bad quality, deed, or negative event. While "fame" suggests positive admiration, notoriety carries a heavy, darker connotation, implying that the person or thing is recognized because they have caused trouble, scandal, or harm. In usage, it is almost exclusively negative. You would describe a notorious criminal or a company with a reputation for poor customer service. It is often used in formal writing or journalism to highlight a history of controversy or failure.
"notoriety" in conversation
Discussing a local landmark
Did you hear they are finally tearing down that old hotel?
Did you hear they are finally tearing down that old hotel?
About time. It gained a lot of notoriety after that mysterious fire last year.
About time. It gained a lot of notoriety after that mysterious fire last year.
Used to describe a place known for a specific negative event.
Work gossip
Why is the new manager so strict?
Why is the new manager so strict?
He has a certain notoriety for firing people over minor mistakes.
He has a certain notoriety for firing people over minor mistakes.
Used to describe a person's reputation for a harsh or unpleasant trait.
"notoriety" in a sentence
The hacker gained notoriety for stealing data from large banks.
The hacker gained notoriety for stealing data from large banks.
The island is known for its natural beauty, but also for the notoriety of its pirate history.
The island is known for its natural beauty, but also for the notoriety of its pirate history.
Despite his attempts to reinvent himself, he could not escape the notoriety that followed his failed political campaign.
Despite his attempts to reinvent himself, he could not escape the notoriety that followed his failed political campaign.
