notoriously

If someone is notoriously late, it doesn't just mean they're often late. It means everyone knows they are. It points to a strong reputation for a certain trait, usually a bad one. Think of a chef who is notoriously demanding in the kitchen, or a city notoriously stuck in traffic.

The word often suggests that something bad or troublesome is widely known. It's stronger than simply saying someone "is known for" something. It usually suggests a pattern that people have noticed over time. You would not usually say a kind person is "notoriously generous," but you could certainly say a politician is "notoriously corrupt."

"Notoriously" describes someone or something widely and unfavorably known for a particular characteristic, quality, or habit. It's more than just being "famous"—it implies that the fame stems from something negative, scandalous, or problematic. The word carries a weight of public awareness and often suggests a long-standing reputation.

Think of historical figures like Blackbeard, a notoriously ruthless pirate, or cities like Venice, which is notoriously prone to flooding. It's used when the characteristic is well-documented and generally understood by many people.

"Notoriously" isn't limited to people; it can apply to places, things, or even concepts. A restaurant might be notoriously slow with its service, a law might be notoriously difficult to enforce, or a video game might be notoriously challenging.

The key is that the characteristic isn't just known—it's widely known and generally seen as undesirable. It suggests a pattern that has earned a negative public reputation. So, if something is "notoriously" anything, there is usually a story behind it: a history of repeated, often troublesome, behavior or circumstances.