notorious

Vocabulary Word

Definition

'Notorious' is used to describe a person or thing that is well-known, but for a negative reason. It can refer to a person with a bad reputation or an event that is famously dreadful.

Examples in Different Contexts

In film, 'notorious' characters can be intriguing antagonists. A film critic might opine, 'The notorious villain, with his infamous deeds, made the film unforgettable.'

Practice Scenarios

Tech

Scenario:

There's a noticeable increase in bug reports since the last software update. We need to fix this before it harms our reputation.

Response:

Exactly, we need to rectify this promptly. Our software is becoming notorious for bugs.

Creative

Scenario:

The recent art show stirred up a lot of controversy. Your work appears provocative, and it's polarising the audience.

Response:

It's a delicate balance. I don't want to be notorious for controversy, but I also strive for my art to challenge norms.