notoriety

noun

no·​to·​ri·​e·​ty ˌnō-tə-ˈrī-ə-tē 

plural notorieties

1

: the quality or state of being notorious

the city's notoriety for corrupt and incompetent government

—R. E. Merriam

2

: a notorious person

love to have notabilities and notorieties under one roof

—The Times Literary Supplement (London)

Synonyms

• cause célèbre
• cause celebre
• celeb
• celebrity
• figure
• icon
• ikon
• light
• luminary
• megastar
• name
• notability
• notable
• personage
• personality
• somebody
• standout
• star
• superstar
• VIP

Examples of notoriety in a Sentence

He achieved instant fame and notoriety with the release of his film.

She gained notoriety when nude photographs of her appeared in a magazine.

His comment about the President has given him a notoriety that he enjoys very much.

Recent Examples on the Web

Driving the news: Conservative activist Robby Starbuck has gained notoriety for his social media posts challenging the DEI policies of several big American brands — and companies like Tractor Supply, John Deere and Harley-Davidson have buckled in response. —Eleanor Hawkins, Axios, 5 Sep. 2024

But for its notoriety, World Liberty Financial is already attracting the wrong kinds of attention. —Joel Khalili, WIRED, 4 Sep. 2024

For many, the newfound notoriety of the Crowdstrike name is part of the appeal. —Sharon Goldman, Fortune, 8 Aug. 2024

Still, Stephen Kay, a former Manson prosecutor, has long suspected Manson put her up to it as a way to win further notoriety, maybe passing word to her through an intermediary. —Christopher Goffard, Los Angeles Times, 31 July 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle French or Medieval Latin; Middle French notorieté, from Medieval Latin notorietat-, notorietas, from notorius

First Known Use

circa 1650, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

notoriety

noun

no·​to·​ri·​ety

ˌnōt-ə-ˈrī-ət-ē

plural notorieties

: the quality or state of being notorious