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

• celebrity
• star
• personality

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

Bride gained far more notoriety for pitching in blowout losses. —Dan Hayes, New York Times, 30 June 2025

However, its notoriety for slaying archeologists who came into contact with its long-dormant spores is still debated. —New Atlas, 30 June 2025

Since gaining notoriety, Rae has been building her brand as a social media model and influencer. —Allison Degrushe Published, EW.com, 26 June 2025

It’s also given him some notoriety around his community. —Noah Lyons, San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 June 2025

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

Rhymes for notoriety

• contrariety
• impropriety
• inebriety
• antianxiety
• intersociety
• anxiety
• impiety
• propriety
• satiety
• sobriety
• society
• variety

Kids Definition

notoriety

noun

no·​to·​ri·​ety

ˌnōt-ə-ˈrī-ət-ē

plural notorieties

: the quality or state of being notorious