WordGarden.ionotoriously
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /nəʊtˈɔːrɪəsli/
US
- /noʊˈtɔriəsli/
Meanings
Adverb
in a way that is well known for something bad
Beyond the definition
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.
Examples
- 1
Road safety
The old bridge is notoriously dangerous in winter.
- 2
Public transport
The trains here are notoriously unreliable.
- 3
Punctuality
She is notoriously late for meetings.
- 4
Ticket availability
Tickets for the final are notoriously hard to get.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Author privacy
The author is notoriously private and rarely gives interviews.
- 6
Tax complexity
The tax rules are notoriously difficult to explain, even to experts.
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
Contrast
Used with (collocations)
- notoriously difficult
- notoriously unreliable
- notoriously bad at
- notoriously hard to
Word family
Explore
- bad reputation
- public shame
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- notoriouslyadverb