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notorious

adjective

/nə(ʊ)ˈtɔːrɪəs/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of notorious

Widely known and often talked about, usually in a negative or critical way.
"The city was notorious for its high crime rate."

Detailed meaning of notorious

The term "notorious" is used to describe someone or something that is A person who is notorious may have a reputation for being dangerous, criminal, or unethical. A thing that is notorious may be known for being of poor quality, unreliable, or unsafe.

For example, a notorious criminal may be someone who has committed a string of high-profile crimes and has become well-known to the public and law enforcement. A notorious product may be one that has been recalled or has caused harm to consumers.

The word can also be used in a more neutral way, describing something or someone well known for a specific reason, such as a notorious landmark, a notorious event or a notorious person who is well known for his achievements but not necessarily in a negative way.

The term "notorious" also carries a connotation of infamy or shame. A person or thing that is notorious is typically viewed unfavorably and may be avoided or shunned by others.

Example sentences containing notorious

1. The bank robber became notorious for his daring heists.
2. That restaurant is notorious for its slow service.
3. The city's traffic jams are notorious among commuters.
4. She gained a notorious reputation as a troublemaker in school.
5. The abandoned asylum is notorious for its haunted history.
6. The criminal's notorious gang was responsible for numerous crimes.

History and etymology of notorious

The adjective 'notorious' has an etymology rooted in Latin. It is derived from the Latin word 'notorius,' which is a variant of 'notarius,' meaning 'a clerk' or 'a secretary.' In Latin, 'notorius' initially referred to something well-known or familiar, often in the context of official records or documents. Over time, it evolved to signify being widely known, especially for negative or critical reasons. 'Notorious' entered the English language in the 16th century and is used to describe someone or something that is widely known and often talked about, typically in a negative or critical way. Its etymology underscores the idea of something being well-documented and known, which can lead to a reputation, whether positive or, in the case of 'notorious,' negative.

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Further usage examples of notorious

1. The old, haunted house on Elm Street is notorious in our neighborhood.
2. The movie portrayed the notorious criminal as a charismatic antihero.
3. The politician became notorious for his controversial statements.
4. The haunted forest was notorious for its eerie sounds at night.
5. The pirate captain was notorious for his ruthless tactics.
6. The 1920s gangster Al Capone was notorious for his involvement in organized crime.
7. The abandoned amusement park was notorious for its accidents.
8. The rock band's notorious partying lifestyle was well-known in the music industry.
9. The serial killer became notorious for his gruesome murders.
10. The abandoned factory was notorious for its dangerous conditions.
11. The town's old cemetery is notorious for its spooky legends.
12. The company faced a notorious scandal that damaged its reputation.
13. The journalist uncovered the notorious corruption within the government.
14. The crime boss was notorious for his ability to evade law enforcement.