English · Word Candidate

notorious

/nə(ʊ)ˈtɔː.ɹɪ.əs/

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Sense 1

Meaning · English

Senses with an unfavourable connotation. — Of a person or entity: generally or widely known for something negative; infamous.

Adjective

Examples

Such Men theſe had, to Miſchiefe vvholly bent, / In Villanie, notorious for their skill, / Diſhoneſt, deſp'rate, mercileſſe, and rude, / That dar'd into Damnation to intrude.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 2

Meaning · English

Senses with an unfavourable connotation. — Of an act, situation, etc.: blameworthy in an obvious and offensive way; blatant, flagrant.

Adjective

Examples

Sir, ſir, I ſhall haue Lavv in Epheſus, / To your notorious ſhame, I doubt it not.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “notorious” mean?

Senses with an unfavourable connotation. — Of a person or entity: generally or widely known for something negative; infamous.

Is “notorious” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.