Cool MateNotorious
UK /["/nəʊˈtɔːriəs/"]/US /["/nəʊˈtɔːriəs/"]/
Definition
well known for being bad
In simple words: Famous for something bad
Examples
- a notorious criminal
- a location made notorious by battles between local gangs
- The country is notorious for its appalling prison conditions.
- The bar has become notorious as a meeting-place for drug dealers.
- an area which is notorious as a centre for drug trafficking
Usage notes
Use 'notorious' when referring to someone or something widely known for a negative reason. Avoid in positive contexts.
Grammar pattern
notorious + for + noun/gerund
Memory hint
Sounds like 'notorious' — think of a bad story that everyone knows.
Collocations
- notorious for
- notorious criminal
- notorious behavior
Synonyms
- infamous
- ill-famed
- notable
- renowned
Antonyms
- unknown
- obscure
- unfamous
Common mistakes
- Confused with 'famous' which can be positive.
- Often used incorrectly with 'to be notorious of'.
- Mixing up the meaning with 'infamous'.