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Notoriety: meaning, definitions and examples

๐Ÿ”ด
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notoriety

 

[หŒnษ™สŠtษ™หˆraษชษ™ti ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

in the news

The state of being famous or well known, typically for some bad quality or deed. Notoriety is often gained through scandal or criminal activity.

Synonyms

disrepute, infamy, shame.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
notoriety

Used again when someone is famously known for something negative, similar to the first instance.

  • She achieved notoriety as a ruthless businesswoman
  • The artist's notoriety increased after his controversial art displays
infamy

Used to describe a state of being known for something extremely bad or shocking.

  • The dictator's infamy will be remembered for generations
  • The bombing left a legacy of infamy
disrepute

Used when someone or something has lost respect or status because of negative actions.

  • The company fell into disrepute after the fraud was exposed
  • The politician's actions brought the party into disrepute
shame

Used to describe a strong feeling of guilt or embarrassment about something negative that has been done.

  • He felt a deep sense of shame for his actions
  • The scandal brought shame upon the entire family

Examples of usage

  • Her notoriety as a controversial figure grew after the scandal broke.
  • The criminal's notoriety made it difficult for him to find work after being released from prison.
Context #2 | Noun

criminal activity

The quality of being famous for something bad or criminal. Notoriety in this context often refers to a person's reputation for illegal or immoral behavior.

Synonyms

disrepute, infamy, shame.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
notoriety

This word is used when someone is well-known for something bad or unfavorable. It has a neutral to negative connotation.

  • The thief gained notoriety in the town for his daring heists
  • The company achieved notoriety for its poor labor practices
infamy

Use this word when describing a situation or person known for extreme wickedness or heinous actions. It has a very strong negative connotation.

  • The dictator's infamy spread throughout the world
  • The massacre was an act of infamy that shocked the nation
disrepute

This word is appropriate when someone or something has lost respect or reputation. It carries a negative connotation.

  • The athlete's actions brought his team into disrepute
  • The scandal left the politician in disrepute
shame

This word is used to describe a feeling of guilt or embarrassment due to a dishonorable action. It has a negative connotation and is often used in a personal context.

  • He felt shame for lying to his parents
  • The public scandal brought shame to the entire family

Examples of usage

  • The gang leader achieved notoriety for his ruthless tactics in the criminal underworld.
  • The notoriety of the drug lord extended beyond national borders.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The term comes from the Latin word 'notorius', which means 'well-known' but originally had a negative connotation.
  • Its use in English dates back to the late 14th century, evolving to emphasize bad fame.
  • The word was often associated with public scandal or notoriety arising from criminal behavior.

Pop Culture

  • Public figures often gain notoriety through controversial actions or statements, as seen with various reality TV stars.
  • In literature and film, characters known for their notoriety often embody the archetype of the anti-hero.
  • Criminal cases often gain notoriety due to extensive media coverage, sometimes leading to public fascination.

Psychology

  • People are often drawn to stories of notoriety because they evoke strong emotions, such as shock or disbelief.
  • Notoriety can impact an individual's mental health, leading to feelings of isolation or anxiety due to public scrutiny.
  • Understanding notoriety helps psychologists explore the human fascination with fame and infamy.

History

  • Throughout history, notorious figures like outlaw Jesse James have captured public attention, often romanticizing their crimes.
  • The notoriety of certain historical figures has sometimes overshadowed their more positive contributions.
  • Events such as the Salem Witch Trials have gained notoriety, influencing cultural perceptions of justice and morality.

Media

  • The rise of social media has made it easier for individuals to achieve notoriety, often leading to viral fame for dubious reasons.
  • Documentaries often explore the lives of notorious criminals, highlighting society's fascination with their stories.
  • Notoriety can be fleeting; today's viral sensation may become tomorrow's forgotten name if they can't sustain their public image.

Translations

Translations of the word "notoriety" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น notoriedade

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เค•เฅเค–เฅเคฏเคพเคคเคฟ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Berรผhmtheit

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ ketenaran

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะฒั–ะดะพะผั–ัั‚ัŒ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ rozgล‚os

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ๆ‚ชๅ

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท notoriรฉtรฉ

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ notoriedad

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท รผn

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ๋ช…์„ฑ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุดูู‡ุฑุฉ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ povฤ›st

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ povesลฅ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๅๅฃฐ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ slava

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ orรฐstรญr

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะฐั‚ะฐา›

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒชแƒœแƒแƒ‘แƒแƒ“แƒแƒ‘แƒ

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ mษ™ลŸhurluq

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ notoriedad

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #16,579, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.