Meaning of notorious word

You’ve probably heard of «Notorious B.I.G» and his musical career. But thinking about the word «notorious» will have you wondering, what is so special about the word that someone would choose it as the stage name? We have researched the notorious definition, meaning, and usage in detail to help anyone interested in learning about this word.

«Notorious» (adjective): widely known and usually unfavorable. Use the word when describing someone infamous. The word discusses someone famous for something bad. Use the word to show an ill reputation due to some bad scandals.

We are not implying that B.I.G was infamous, but he chose the word «notorious» to be his stage name for a reason. Perhaps this is one of the most interesting English words you will encounter today. Learn everything you need to know about «notorious» in this article, from the definition, history, pronunciation, to usage.

What is the Definition of Notorious?

«Notorious» is an adjective that means «publicly known for a particular trait.» Use the word when talking about something or someone known for a particular trait. In most cases, the attribute referred to when using this word is usually undesirable.

The person or something you are talking about might not be famous, but they are known for a distasteful trait. Something that makes other people fear or hate the notorious types. These people do things that most people find terrible, unpleasant, and displeasing; however, that does not mean that what they are doing is a crime or illegal.

Some decisions and behavior in life are not liked by most people, especially if the person doing them goes overboard. Something as simple as smiling could be «notorious» if you do it often to the extent of scaring people or making them annoyed. It is worse if you smile in situations that demand a somber mood.

Here are sentence examples:

• Samuel is a notorious gambler.
• The magazine is notorious for using vulgar language.
• The mailman is a notorious rumor-monger.

What is the Meaning of Notorious?

«Notorious» (adjective): something or someone generally known or talked about negatively. Use the word to speak about situations that happen typically but unfavorably. The term also describes a region or place famous for something that might get considered harmful, like a notorious storm, a notorious volcano eruption, or notorious traffic.

Here are sentence examples:

• The city has a name for its notorious smog.
• Kindly remind me where we met; my notorious memory can fail me.
• You need to be careful when using metallic products around heat; metals are notorious conductors of heat.

Is Notorious a Negative Word?

Initially, the words «notorious» and «famous» had the exact definition and meaning, none of which was positive or negative. Today, the word notorious is embraced mainly in negative contexts. So we can say that it is a negative word rather than a positive one. Unless you want to build a bad reputation, being notorious is not good.

Words Related to Notorious

Some words are related to each other, and they could have the same or near meaning; they could be opposite or similar in sounds. Here is a look at words related to notorious.

Synonyms

Below are examples of words that have the same meaning as notorious.

• Infamous
• Famous
• Renowned
• Fabled
• Scandalous
• Star
• Ill-famed
• Talked about
• Distinguished
• Unprincipled
• Vile
• Tarnished
• Wicked
• Shady
• Scandalous

Antonyms

Let’s look at examples of words that are opposite of notorious.

• Moral
• Honorable
• Noble
• Venerable
• Trustworthy
• Esteemed
• Illustrious
• Sincere
• Principled
• Ethical
• Unknown
• Faceless
• Obscure
• Un-famous

Rhyming words

Here are some examples of words that have the same sound as notorious.

• Glorious
• Curious
• Mysterious
• Fabulous
• Hilarious
• Melodious
• Precious
• Ambitious
• Previous
• Chorus
• Humorous
• Suspicious
• Victorious
• Furious
• Delicious

Words People Often Use When Discussing Notorious

• Gain
• Well-known
• Crime
• Criminal
• Earn

Common Words Confused With Notorious

Here are words that are mostly confused with the word notorious.

Notorious vs. famous: Though both notorious and famous mean well-known, the difference is that notorious means widely known for something terrible.

Notorious vs. infamous: The reason most people use the words notorious and infamous interchangeably is that these words are direct synonyms. They both have a terrible reputation. The term vile is also known for something bad.

How to Use Notorious in a Sentence

Use «notorious» when talking about someone or something well-known for a negative reason. Also, when talking about people seen unfavorably for their actions or when talking about events.

Use the word «notorious» to talk about a specific well-known action or trait; it does not have to be a bad one. However, you need to be creative in your sentences if you use «notorious» to mean well-known.

Word Forms of Notorious

The word notorious has three different word forms. Read about the various word forms, definitions, and example sentences to learn. Remember that learning the different word forms of any word makes it easier to understand the multiple ways that you can use that word.

Notoriously (adverb): The quality of the fact is well-known and is also bad. Use the word to emphasize that something well-known isn’t appropriate.

Here are sentence examples:

• The village is notoriously known for its high crime rate.
• You need to be cautious when dealing with the group since they are notoriously known for stealing.
• Over the years of working as a nurse, I have found that birth rates are notoriously difficult to predict.

Notoriousness (noun): The state or the quality of being notoriety or notorious.

Here are sentence examples:

• His mischief and notoriousness are what made his wife leave.
• The teacher could no longer tolerate the child’s notoriousness, so she sent him to the parents.
• The notoriousness the worker has shown has led to the sales reduction.

Notoriety (noun): The quality of being famous or well-known for some bad quality or deed.

Here are sentence examples:

• The film has gained some notoriety online.
• He got instant fame and notoriety after a video of him fighting the police went viral.
• She gained notoriety when her nude photographs appeared in a magazine.

10 Examples of Notorious in a Sentence

Though reading the meaning and definitions of a word helps, you also need to read sentences with the particular word. That way, you will have a better idea of using it in your sentences. Check out some sentences with the word notorious below.

1. Mohammed, the notorious mastermind of the terrorist activities in the city, was my classmate.
2. The piano instructor is notorious for his outbursts.
3. The eastern port was previously notorious for smuggling immigrants.
4. Everyone in our town feared the notorious brothers.
5. Your mother is notorious for paying the rent late.
6. The teacher asked us to write a review of the notorious way the soldiers treated women in the 18th century.
7. She once worked as a lawyer who defended some of the most notorious criminals in the country.
8. The mayor was notorious for carrying out shady deals.
9. Be careful when you drive across the bridge; it is a notorious blackspot.
10. The hotel industry is notorious for its low rates of pay.

How Do You Spell Notorious?

Correctly spell the word «notorious» as «n.o.t.o.r.i.o.u.s.»

Take the time to read and understand the spellings of the word «notorious» to avoid making unnecessary embarrassing mistakes when using the word.

How Do You Pronounce Notorious?

Pronounce the word «notorious» as «nuh.taw.ree.uhs.» 

Proper pronunciation is as essential as correct spelling. A mistake you can make when talking to people is embracing the wrong accent. When you do this, there is a high chance that people will not understand you, and they will not give your speech the importance it deserves.

How Many Syllables Are in Notorious?

The word «notorious» has four syllables. These syllables are «no.to.ri.ous.» The stressed syllable is «to.»

History & Etymology of Notorious 

Learning the origin and etymology is the best way to understand a word and the various ways to use it in sentences. The origin of the word «notorious» is the Medieval Latin «notorious.» «Notorious» means «well-known or public.» 

However, in Late Latin, the word changed to «nōtōria,» meaning «notice or news.» The word was then introduced to English as «notorious,» a synonym for famous. But the word added implications of someone or something unpleasant or not desirable.

The first record of the word «notorious» as a negative word was in 1549 in a book titled «The Books of Common Prayer.» The book used the phrase «notorious Sinners.» This was the first time that the word «notorious» had a negative connotation, and the negative nature eventually stuck with the word.

When Was Notorious First Used?

Records show that the first use of «notorious» dates back to 1534. When first introduced, the word «notorious» meant «generally known or talked about.»

Conclusion

There was a time when the words notorious and famous were used as direct synonyms. However, today the English language has changed the word «notorious» and given it a negative connotation. It describes common negative things or situations that are not popular. So, instead of misusing the word, read the notorious definition, meaning, and usage to keep yourself posted.

Asked by: Erling Hermann

Score: 4.6/5
(71 votes)

notorious noh-TOR-ee-us adjective. : generally known and talked of; especially : widely and unfavorably known.

What is the meaning of notorious person?

Notorious most commonly means famous or well-known for a negative reason. The word is especially used to describe people who are widely known and viewed unfavorably for their actions, such as notorious criminals. … This sense of notorious is often used interchangeably with the word infamous.

Is notorious bad or good?

The most common meaning of ‘notorious’ is «widely and unfavorably known.» The word does have a neutral meaning («widely known»), but it tends to be colored by the pejorative meaning.

What considered notorious?

What does it mean to be notorious? Similar to infamous, notorious is an adjective meaning “widely and unfavorably known.” Evidenced in the late 15th century, notorious originally meant “well known,” true to its ultimate Latin root, notus, meaning “known.”

What is the nearest meaning of notorious?

Some common synonyms of notorious are celebrated, distinguished, eminent, famous, illustrious, noted, and renowned. While all these words mean «known far and wide,» notorious frequently adds to famous an implication of questionableness or evil. a notorious gangster.

20 related questions found

English[edit]

Etymology[edit]

From Late Middle English notoryous, from Medieval Latin nōtōrius (“evident, known; famous, well-known; infamous”), from Latin nōtus (“known, recognized; familiar, widely known; famous, well-known; infamous”) + -tōrius (suffix forming adjectives).^[1] Nōtus is the perfect passive participle of nōscō (“to become acquainted with or learn about (something); (rare) to be familiar with, recognize”), ultimately from Proto-Indo-European *ǵneh₃- (“to know; to recognize”).

Pronunciation[edit]

• (Received Pronunciation) IPA^(key): /nə(ʊ)ˈtɔː.ɹɪ.əs/
• (General American) enPR: nə-tôrʹē-əs, nō- IPA^(key): /nəˈtɔ.ɹi.əs/, /noʊ-/
• Rhymes: -ɔːɹiəs
• Hyphenation: no‧tor‧i‧ous

Adjective[edit]

notorious (comparative more notorious, superlative most notorious)

1. Senses with an unfavourable connotation.
   1. Of a person or entity: generally or widely known for something negative; infamous.

      Synonym: ill-famed

      Antonym: famous

      • 1605, Michael Drayton, Poems: […], London: […] Willi[am] Stansby for Iohn Smethwicke, published 1630, →OCLC, stanza 28, page 109:

        Such Men theſe had, to Miſchiefe vvholly bent, / In Villanie, notorious for their skill, / Diſhoneſt, deſp’rate, mercileſſe, and rude, / That dar’d into Damnation to intrude.

      • 1609 December (first performance)​, Benjamin Jonson [i.e., Ben Jonson], “Epicoene, or The Silent Woman. A Comœdie. […]”, in The Workes of Ben Jonson (First Folio), London: […] Will[iam] Stansby, published 1616, →OCLC, Act IV, scene ii, page 570:

        You notorious ſtinkardly bearevvard, do’s my breath ſmell?

      • 1693, Decimus Junius Juvenalis; William Congreve, transl., “[The Satires of Decimus Junius Juvenalis.] The Eleventh Satyr”, in The Satires of Decimus Junius Juvenalis. Translated into English Verse. […] Together with the Satires of Aulus Persius Flaccus. […], London: Printed for Jacob Tonson […], →OCLC, lines 9–10, page 219:

        But Rutilus, is ſo Notorious grovvn, / That he’s the common Theme of all the Tovvn.

      • 1791 (date written), Mary Wollstonecraft, “Morality Undermined by Sexual Notions of the Importance of a Good Reputation”, in A Vindication of the Rights of Woman: With Strictures on Political and Moral Subjects, 1st American edition, Boston, Mass.: […] Peter Edes for Thomas and Andrews, […], published 1792, →OCLC, page 232:

        A vvoman of quality, notorious for her gallantries, though as ſhe ſtill lived vvith her huſband, nobody choſe to place her in the claſs vvhere ſhe ought to have been placed, […]

      • 1849, Thomas Babington Macaulay, chapter VIII, in The History of England from the Accession of James II, volume II, London: Longman, Brown, Green, and Longmans, →OCLC, page 290:

        Then he had gone to Oxford, had entered himself at Magdalene, and had soon become notorious there for every kind of vice.

      • 1920 May 27, F[rancis] Scott Fitzgerald, “The Offshore Pirate”, in Flappers and Philosophers, New York, N.Y.: Charles Scribner’s Sons, published September 1920, →OCLC, part I, page 6:

        This is the last straw. In your infatuation for this man—a man who is notorious for his excesses, a man your father would not have allowed to so much as mention your name—you have reflected the demi-monde rather than the circles in which you have presumably grown up.

      • 1936, Rollo Ahmed, The Black Art, London: John Long, →OCLC, page 156:

        Simon Forman was notorious in his day, and was a man of many reverses.

      • 2013 November 25, Katharine Q. Seelye, “Sticking by a murderous brother, and paying for it dearly”, in The New York Times‎^[2], New York, N.Y.: The New York Times Company, →ISSN, →OCLC, archived from the original on 2022-10-25:

        But he [William Bulger] forfeited this legacy long ago, shedding it in exchange for intense loyalty to another Boston power broker, his older brother, James (Whitey) Bulger, the city’s notorious crime boss.

      • 2016 October 29, Aviva Shen, “Angola prison rodeo offers risks and rewards for Louisiana’s hard-knock lifers”, in Katharine Viner, editor, The Guardian‎^[3], London: Guardian News & Media, →ISSN, →OCLC, archived from the original on 2022-08-10:

        This is the Angola Prison Rodeo, a 53-year-old tradition at the biggest and most notorious prison in Louisiana, the incarceration capital of the world.

      • 2021 June 25, Olga Khazan, “We’re Not Ready for Another Pandemic”, in Jeffrey Goldberg, editor, The Atlantic‎^[4], Washington, D.C.: The Atlantic Monthly Group, →ISSN, →OCLC, archived from the original on 2022-12-05:

        The U.S. is notorious for spending oodles on health care, but health care has little to do with stopping the spread of infectious diseases.

   2. Of an act, situation, etc.: blameworthy in an obvious and offensive way; blatant, flagrant.

      • c. 1594 (date written), William Shakespeare, “The Comedie of Errors”, in Mr. William Shakespeares Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies […] (First Folio), London: […] Isaac Iaggard, and Ed[ward] Blount, published 1623, →OCLC, [Act IV, scene i], page 93, column 2:

        Sir, ſir, I ſhall haue Lavv in Epheſus, / To your notorious ſhame, I doubt it not.

      • 1626 May 10, John Donne, “A Sermon Preached to the Household at White-hall, April 30. 1626 [Julian calendar]. Sermon VIII.”, in XXVI. Sermons (Never before Publish’d) Preached by that Learned and Reverend Divine John Donne, […], London: […] Thomas Newcomb, […], published 1661, →OCLC, page 108:

        [T]he Apoſtle by the vvord diſorderly, does not mean perſons that live in any courſe of notorious ſin; but by diſorderly, he means Ignavos, Inutiles, idle and unprofitable perſons; perſons of no uſe to the Church, or to the State: […]

      • 1723, [Daniel Defoe], The History and Remarkable Life of the Truly Honourable Col. Jacque, Commonly Call’d Col. Jack, […], 2nd edition, London: […] J. Brotherton, […], →OCLC, page 98:

        [H]e vvas Charg’d upon Oath, vvith having been a Party in a notorious Robbery, Burglary, and Murther, committed ſo and ſo, in ſuch a Place, and on ſuch a Day.

2. Senses with a favourable or neutral connotation.
   1. Generally or widely known; of common knowledge; famous or well-known.

      • a. 1587 (date written), Philip Sidney, “Psalm XX. Exaudiat te Dominus.”, in The Psalmes of David […], London: From the Chiswick Press by C[harles] Whittingham, for Robert Triphook, […], published 1823, →OCLC, page 30:

        Lett him [God] notorious make, / That in good part he did thy offrings take.

      • 1610, William Camden, “The Author to the Reader”, in Philémon Holland, transl., Britain, or A Chorographicall Description of the Most Flourishing Kingdomes, England, Scotland, and Ireland, […], London: […] [Eliot’s Court Press for] Georgii Bishop & Ioannis Norton, →OCLC:

        Some vvill blame me for that I have omitted this and that tovvne and Caſtle, as though I purpoſed to mention any but ſuch as vvere moſt notorious, and vvere mentioned by ancient authours. Neither verily vvere it vvorth the labour once to name them, vvhen as beſide the naked name there is nothing memorable.

      • 1613, Samuel Purchas, “[Asia.] Of the Re-peopling of the World: And of the Diuision of Tongues and Nations.”, in Purchas His Pilgrimage. Or Relations of the World and the Religions Observed in All Ages and Places Discouered, from the Creation vnto this Present. […], 2nd edition, London: […] William Stansby for Henrie Fetherstone, […], published 1614, →OCLC, book I (Of the First Beginnings of the World and Religion: And of the Regions and Religions of Babylonia, Assyria, Syria, Phænicia, and Palestina), page 44:

        Of Cham is the name Chemmis in Ægypt; and Ammon the Idoll and Oracle ſo notorious.

      • 1774 (first performance), Samuel Foote, [George] Colman, editor, The Cozeners; a Comedy, […], London: […] T[homas] Sherlock, for T[homas] Cadell, […], published 1778, →OCLC, Act II, page 56:

        Mrs. Fl[eece’em]. Hymn? then the Doctor ſings, I preſume. / Mrs. Sim[ony]. Not a better pipe at the playhouſe; he has been long notorious for that: Then he is as chearful, and has ſuch a choice collection of ſongs!

   2. (obsolete)
      1. Clear, evident, obvious.

         • 1608, Edward Topsell, “Of the Description and Differences of Bees”, in The Historie of Serpents. Or, The Second Booke of Liuing Creatures: […], London: […] William Jaggard, →OCLC, page 66:

           For the elder ſort of them are rough, hard, thinne and leane ſcragges, ſtatuelinges, lothſome to touch and to looke vpon, ſomevvhat long, nothing but skinne and bone, yet very notorious and goodly too ſee to, in regard of their grauity, hoarenes and aunciency.

         • a. 1678 (date written)​, Isaac Barrow, “Sermon XVII. The Folly of Slander.”, in The Works of Dr. Isaac Barrow. […], volume II, London: A[braham] J[ohn] Valpy, […], published 1830, →OCLC, pages 20–21:

           It is not every possibility, every seeming, every faint show or glimmering appearance, which sufficeth to ground bad opinion or reproachful discourse concerning our brother: the matter should be clear, notorious, and palpable, before we admit a disadvantageous conceit into our head, a distasteful resentment into our heart, a harsh word into our mouth about him.

         • 1691, John Ray, The Wisdom of God Manifested in the Works of the Creation. […], London: […] Samuel Smith, […], →OCLC, part II, page 18:

           [T]he failing in any one of theſe [members of the body] vvould cauſe Irregularity in the Body, and in many of them ſuch as vvould be very notorious.

      2. Generally or widely knowable.

         • 1531, Thomas Elyot, “Of Promise and Couenant”, in Ernest Rhys, editor, The Boke Named the Governour […] (Everyman’s Library), London: J[oseph] M[alaby] Dent & Co; New York, N.Y.: E[dward] P[ayson] Dutton & Co, published [1907], →OCLC, 3rd book, page 220:

           But what hope is there to haue fidelitie well kept amonge us in promises and bargaynes, whan for the breache therof is prouided no punisshement, nor yet notorious rebuke; […]

         • 1622, Francis, Lord Verulam, Viscount St. Alban [i.e. Francis Bacon], The Historie of the Raigne of King Henry the Seventh, […], London: […] W[illiam] Stansby for Matthew Lownes, and William Barret, →OCLC, page 25:

           The King therefore firſt called his Councell together at the Charter-houſe at Shine. VVhich Councell vvas held vvith great ſecrecie, but the open Decrees thereof, vvhich preſently came abroad, vvere three. […] The next vvas, that Edvvard Plantagenet, then Cloſe-priſoner in the Tovver, ſhould be in the moſt publike and notorious manner, that could be deuiſed, ſhevved vnto the people: In part to diſcharge the King of the Enuie of that opinion and bruite, hovv he had beene put to death priuily in the Tovver; […]

         • 1818, Henry Hallam, “On the Feudal System, Especially in France”, in View of the State of Europe during the Middle Ages. […], volume I, London: John Murray, […], →OCLC, part II, page 205:

           They [legislative ordinances] were in some instances promulgated by the king in parliament. Others were sent thither for registration, or entry upon their records. This formality was by degrees, if not from the beginning, deemed essential to render them authentic and notorious, and therefore indirectly gave them sanction and validity of a law.

Usage notes[edit]

The word notorious originally had a neutral or positive connotation (sharing a Latin root with the words notable and noteworthy) but is now usually associated with negative characteristics. The word is still used to describe positive characteristics (“a notorious perfectionist” or “notorious for his generosity”) but this use is now considered playful or ironic as a result of the word’s negative connotations.^[2]

Antonyms[edit]

• unnotorious

Derived terms[edit]

• notorify (obsolete)
• notoriously
• notoriousness
• unnotorious

[edit]

• notoriety
• notorily (obsolete)
• notory (obsolete)

Translations[edit]

Adverb[edit]

notorious (comparative more notorious, superlative most notorious)

1. (obsolete) Synonym of notoriously

References[edit]

Further reading[edit]

• notorious (disambiguation) on Wikipedia.Wikipedia

Notorious is a word that got a bad rap by association with an undesirable lot. The word comes from the Late Latin noun notorium, meaning «information» or «indictment,» which in turn is from noscere, «to come to know.» It was first used in the 16th century with the neutral meaning «well or widely known,» but very early it came to be used with nouns of unsavory meaning—one of the earliest uses is the combination «notorious sinners.» Frequent use with nouns of this kind colored the subsequent use of the word with a pejorative connotation, leading to the word’s most frequently used sense, «widely and unfavorably known.»

… Charlie Gasko turned out to be James «Whitey» Bulger, the notorious Boston gangster, and longtime fugitive who is now in prison serving two lifetime sentences.
— Lesley Stahl, speaking on CBS, 10 July 2016

Although notorious is always pejorative when linked with a noun for an undesirable person, there are instances when the word is applied to people in a playful or witty way:

Design plays a bigger part on the series than it’s ever played on another drama; show creator Matthew Weiner is a notorious perfectionist, and set decorator Claudette Didul goes to extreme lengths to ensure that everything … looks period-perfect.
— Andrew Romano, The Washington Post, 5 Apr. 2015

… Alben and I had our pictures taken, as is usual when notorious persons leave or arrive in cities.
— Harry S. Truman, diary, 20 Sept. 1945

Just as important, the Bucs are a notorious fastball-hitting team that struggles mightily versus off-speed stuff.
— Joe Strauss, St. Louis Post-Dispatch, 5 Oct. 2013

Note that in each of these non-pejorative examples the selection of notorious rather than well-known, famous, etc., is undoubtedly due to the word’s overtones.

When notorious is applied to terms that refer to something not human, it often verges on the neutral. Still, if weather, a book, or a fish is described as notorious—in the absence of clues to the contrary—the effect of the word will be pejorative.

As we began to chat, Portland’s notorious wet weather began to create streams of potential energy all around us.
—Hari Sreenivasan, speaking on PBS, 14 Apr. 2015

In 1994, Richard Herrnstein and Charles Murray published their notorious volume, The Bell Curve: Intelligence and Class Structure in American Life.
—Ian Tattersall, Natural History, February 2013

Among the many animals here, three thousand species of fish. Some notorious. We’re on a fishing expedition like no other to catch piranha.
— Keir Simmons, speaking on NBC News, 16 Aug. 2016

When there is no intended overtone, as is sometimes the case, notorious is used as a more emphatic term for famous, well-known, etc. But even in its neutral uses, the term’s association with the unfavorable, disreputable, and unsavory colors its meaning in a way that those other words do not.

Yellow wigs and gum balls can only mean one thing. The notorious Project Runway unconventional materials challenge where designers create fashion out of decidedly unfashionable stuff.
— Savannah Guthrie, speaking on NBC news, 15 Sept. 2016

He’d smile after he’d struck somebody out with his notorious 90-plus-mile-an-hour fastball.
— Eyder Peralta, speaking on NPR, 26 Sept. 2016

There are also instances in which meaning is entirely dependent on the matter that follows the word. In the construction notorious for, for example, meaning only comes to light after for. The following examples illustrate the «unfavorably known» sense of word.

The NFL, notorious for fining players to veer from its strict uniform policy, yesterday announced a one-week amnesty. Week 13 of this NFL season, players will be allowed to wear special cleats as long as they are worn for a cause.
— Jared Max, speaking on the Fox Network, 13 Sept. 2016

Millennials are notorious for their low voter turnout, but their political clout is growing.
— Robert Siegel, speaking on NPR, 22 Aug. 2016

Comedians are notorious for pushing back against authority.
— The National Review, 6 July 2015

In the same construction, notorious can be used in its «generally known» sense.

Bass (pike and pickerel, too) are notorious for feeding around weeds.
—Bob McNally, Outdoor Life, May 2011

Sandy Creek’s fans are notorious for supporting the team.
—Michael Carvell, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, 9 Dec. 2009

Avery … will be even faster in the Edward Jones Dome, which is notorious for having the fastest surface in the league.
— John McClain, The Houston Chronicle, 27 Apr. 2008

Another frequent construction is notorious that. In that phrasing, the word is nearly always used in its neutral «generally known and talked of» sense; again, any pejorative intent has to be supplied by the matter following that, which seldom happens:

Two decades ago, it was notorious that family physicians overprescribed antibiotics.
— Lawrie McFarlane, The Times Colonist (Victoria, British Columbia), 29 Nov. 2015

Clinton’s penchant for spicy food is reportedly so notorious that flight stewards bring jalapeño slices to her with every dish.
— Jennifer Madison, The Independent Online, 15 July 2011

Sales at Jos. A Bank have been consistently declining since it stopped doing its infamous «buy one, get many free» promotions. The sales were so notorious that they were mocked by Saturday Night Live.
— Mallory Schlossberg, Business Insider, 10 Mar. 2016

As you can see from the examples, most people have no problem handling notorious and are aware of its overtones. All you have to remember is that it always seems to have a certain piquancy, a certain bite, from its frequent association with persons and things of undesirable character. Even when it is neutral in denotation, it has that characteristic flavor—but there are ways to subdue it.