Notorious For: Standard Pattern
Notorious For: Standard Pattern records a directly documented English construction and keeps guidance bounded to the evidenced pattern rather than turning one attested complement into a universal prohibition.
Use “notorious for” when saying that a person, place, organization, or thing is widely known for something bad.
Key details
Choose the right form
| Meaning / situation | Form / construction | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| widely known for a bad quality, act, or reputation | notorious for + noun/-ing phrase | Use the documented negative known-for construction. |
| widely known in a neutral or positive way | famous / well known, as context requires | Do not use “notorious” as a neutral synonym if the negative meaning is not intended. |
Quick tests
Meaning / construction test
Is the subject widely known specifically for something bad, disreputable, or undesirable?
If yes: Use “notorious for” followed by that negative quality, act, or fact.
If no: If the reputation is neutral or positive, choose wording such as “famous for” or “well known for” that matches the intended tone.
Caveat: “Notorious” carries a negative meaning in the reviewed evidence; this page is about that sense and its “for” complement.
Examples
The junction is notorious for long delays at rush hour.
The construction links the place to a negative reputation.
The scam became notorious for targeting first-time buyers.
The “for” phrase names the bad conduct behind the reputation.
The region is well known for its spring flowers.
A neutral or positive reputation does not require the negative word “notorious.”
Further guidance
Construction
Use “notorious for” when saying that a person, place, organization, or thing is widely known for something bad.
Style Boundary
Cambridge directly documents “notorious for” and its negative meaning; this page does not treat “notorious” as a neutral synonym of “famous.”
Sources and evidence
Sources are shown with the role they play in this guide. Historical or style-sensitive claims are kept within the evidence boundary described above.
- NOTORIOUS | English meaning — Cambridge Dictionary (opens in a new tab)Cambridge University Press · Direct dictionary evidence for “notorious for” and its negative semantic boundary.