What does notoriousness mean?
Notoriousness is the condition of being widely known, most often because of a reputation that is scandalous, disreputable, or otherwise remarkable. Unlike the more neutral word 'fame,' notoriousness usually suggests that the attention attached to someone or something is unwelcome. The term can describe a person, organization, place, event, or object whose characteristics have become familiar to the public. In modern usage, it is more formal and less common than 'notorious,' which serves as its standard adjective, or 'notoriety,' which often names the public reputation itself. Nevertheless, notoriousness is useful when the emphasis is on the state of being known rather than on a particular act or reputation. It can be used neutrally when a subject is famous for a distinctive or notorious feature, though its strongest associations remain negative.
nounThe state or condition of being notorious; widespread public awareness of someone or something, especially for an undesirable or disreputable reputation.
- The state or condition of being widely known, especially for an undesirable or disreputable quality.
- The quality or character of something that attracts widespread public attention and notice.
"The notoriousness of the scandal-spreading website quickly made it a subject of international concern."
"The criminal's notoriousness spread through the town long before the trial began."
"The building's notoriousness as the city's unluckiest landmark inspired several local legends."
The plural is grammatically regular but very rare in ordinary use.
"The separate notoriousnesses of the two figures became intertwined in popular accounts."
A person can be famous without being well regarded: notoriousness is the unwelcome kind of fame that follows a memorable reputation.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does notoriousness come from?
The word was formed in English by adding the suffix '-ness' to 'notorious,' creating a noun for the condition of being notorious. 'Notorious' was borrowed from Latin 'notorius,' derived from 'notus,' meaning 'known,' with the sense of widely or unfavorably known. The Latin root also underlies related English words such as 'notice,' 'notify,' 'notable,' and 'notoriety.'
Related word forms
How notoriousness is actually used
The word is formal and relatively uncommon in contemporary English. It most often carries a negative or disapproving connotation, although it can be used more neutrally for widespread recognition. The related adjective 'notorious' and adverb 'notoriously' are much more frequent in ordinary usage.
Easily confused with notoriousness
Notoriety usually refers to a public reputation or state of fame, while notoriousness more directly denotes the condition or quality of being notorious.