notoriety
/noʊˈtɔːrɪti/noun★Intermediate
formal
The state of being well-known, especially for something negative or scandalous
The criminal's notoriety grew after the media covered his crimes extensively.
His notoriety as a hacker spread across the tech community.
💡
Often used to describe fame associated with infamy or disrepute.
Collocations
gain notorietyto become widely known, especially for negative reasonsrise to notorietyto become famous or infamous
Synonyms
Antonyms
💡Pro Tip
Positive vs. Negative Connotation
Use 'notoriety' carefully, as it often implies negative fame unless specified otherwise.
📖Word Origin
From Middle French 'notoriété', from Latin 'notorietatem' (state of being known), from 'notorius' (well-known).
📝Usage Notes
While 'notoriety' can describe positive fame, it is most commonly used to describe negative or scandalous fame.
Word Breakdown
notori
known
root-ety
state of
suffixEnglish Dictionary