What does notoriety mean?
Notoriety means widespread public recognition or fame, most often with an undesirable, scandalous, or distinctive association. Someone may gain notoriety through criminal behavior, controversy, or sensational publicity, though the word can also describe a striking or remarkable form of recognition. It differs from simple popularity because it suggests that the person or thing has become a subject of broad public attention and cannot easily be overlooked. The word frequently appears with phrases such as "gain notoriety" and "notoriety for," and it often carries a critical or disapproving tone. Even when the attention results from genuine achievement, notoriety can imply that fame is the most prominent feature of the subject. In journalism and historical writing, it is especially common for describing people whose reputation is strongly associated with scandal or transgression.
nounA state of widespread public recognition or fame, often with an unfavorable or scandalous association. It can also refer to being widely known for a particular characteristic or achievement.
- The state of being widely known, often for an undesirable, scandalous, or distinctive reason.
- Public recognition or attention that attaches to a person, organization, event, or thing.
"The actor's misconduct brought him widespread notoriety."
"The mystery surrounding the abandoned house gave it a certain notoriety."
"She achieved international notoriety through her research on endangered languages."
It is normally not pluralized. The plural form "notorieties" is possible in rare formal uses but is uncommon.
"The case brought the company notoriety rather than lasting prestige."
Notoriety is fame's shadow: it makes someone impossible to ignore, but not necessarily someone to admire.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does notoriety come from?
The word dates from the early 17th century and was borrowed from French notoriété. It ultimately derives from Latin roots based on notus, meaning "known," with the underlying sense of being generally recognized or talked about. The same Latin foundation produced English words such as notable, notorious, and notify, although their modern meanings have developed in different directions.
How notoriety is actually used
The term is commonly used with a negative or scandalous connotation, especially when referring to criminal conduct, controversial behavior, or public disgrace. It can also be used more neutrally for striking or unusually widespread recognition.
Easily confused with notoriety
Fame can be broadly neutral or positive, whereas notoriety usually implies public recognition that is undesirable, scandalous, or merely striking.
Notoriety is the condition of being widely known, while notorious is the adjective describing someone or something known in that way.