Infamous vs. Notorious: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 27, 2023
Infamous means well-known for a bad reason, while notorious can be known for either bad or remarkable reasons.
Key Differences
Infamous is used to describe something or someone with a bad reputation, often due to immoral or criminal activities. Notorious, while similar, carries a slightly less negative connotation, often suggesting fame or prominence due to notable actions, not necessarily immoral.
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Dec 27, 2023
When describing historical figures, infamous is typically reserved for those remembered negatively, like infamous tyrants. Notorious might refer to figures known for controversial but impactful deeds, not exclusively negative.
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In media contexts, an infamous event is one that is remembered poorly, often due to tragedy or scandal. A notorious event, however, could be scandalous but also intriguing or sensational, drawing public attention.
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The term infamous often implies a sense of shame or disgrace associated with the subject. In contrast, notorious can sometimes carry a sense of awe or fascination, despite any negative aspects.
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In literature, a character described as infamous would typically be villainous or despised. A notorious character might be more complex, perhaps a flawed hero or a charismatic villain, known widely for their deeds.
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Comparison Chart
Connotation
Strongly negative, associated with shame or immorality
Negative or positive, known for remarkable or scandalous actions
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Usage in Context
Typically for persons or actions with moral reprehension
For persons or actions known for their impact, not always immoral
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Historical Figures
Used for figures with a negative legacy
Used for figures known for controversial impact
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In Media and Public Perception
Associated with tragedy, scandal, or disgrace
Associated with intrigue, sensation, or significant impact
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In Literature
Often villainous or despised characters
Complex characters, possibly flawed heroes or charismatic villains
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Infamous and Notorious Definitions
Infamous
Having an extremely bad reputation.
The infamous scandal rocked the political world.
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Notorious
Known widely and usually unfavorably.
The notorious gangster was well-known in the city.
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Infamous
Deserving of or causing an evil reputation.
The dictator was infamous for his brutal regime.
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Notorious
Famous for something bad.
The company became notorious for its poor labor practices.
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Infamous
Notoriously evil or wicked.
The infamous pirate terrorized the seas.
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Notorious
Remarkably skilled, often in a negative sense.
He was notorious for his ability to evade capture.
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Infamous
Well-known for a bad reason.
The infamous criminal was finally captured.
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Notorious
Infamous; known for bad qualities or deeds.
The spy was notorious for selling secrets.
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Infamous
Associated with something disgraceful.
The event became infamous in history.
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Notorious
Gaining fame for deeds that are not necessarily moral.
The artist was notorious for his controversial works.
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Infamous
Having an exceedingly bad reputation; notorious
An infamous outlaw.
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Notorious
Known widely and usually unfavorably
A notorious pirate.
A region notorious for floods.
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Infamous
Causing or deserving severe public condemnation; heinous
"No person shall be held to answer for a capital, or otherwise infamous crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a Grand Jury" (US Constitution, Amendment 5).
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Infamous
(Law) Convicted of a crime, such as treason or felony, that carries a severe punishment. No longer in technical use.
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Notorious
Of a person or entity: generally or widely known for something negative; infamous.
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Infamous
Having a bad reputation; disreputable; notorious; unpleasant or evil; widely known, especially for something scornful.
He was an infamous traitor.
She is infamous for perjury.
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Notorious
Of an act, situation, etc.: blameworthy in an obvious and offensive way; blatant, flagrant.
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Infamous
Causing infamy; disgraceful.
This infamous deed tarnishes all involved.
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Infamous
Subject to a judicial punishment that deprived the infamous person of certain rights; this included a prohibition against holding public office, exercising the franchise, receiving a public pension, serving on a jury, or giving testimony in a court of law.
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Notorious
Generally or widely known; of common knowledge; famous or well-known.
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Infamous
Of very bad report; having a reputation of the worst kind; held in abhorrence; guilty of something that exposes to infamy; base; notoriously vile; detestable; as, an infamous traitor; an infamous perjurer.
False errant knight, infamous, and forsworn.
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Infamous
Causing or producing infamy; deserving detestation; scandalous to the last degree; as, an infamous act; infamous vices; infamous corruption.
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Infamous
Branded with infamy by conviction of a crime; as, at common law, an infamous person can not be a witness.
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Notorious
Generally known and talked of by the public; universally believed to be true; manifest to the world; evident; - usually in an unfavorable sense; as, a notorious thief; a notorious crime or vice.
Your goodness,Since you provoke me, shall be most notorious.
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Infamous
Having a bad name as being the place where an odious crime was committed, or as being associated with something detestable; hence, unlucky; perilous; dangerous.
Infamous hills, and sandy perilous wilds.
The piny shadeMore infamous by cursed Lycaon made.
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Notorious
Having an exceedingly bad reputation;
A notorious gangster
The tenderloin district was notorious for vice
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Infamous
Having an exceedingly bad reputation;
A notorious gangster
The tenderloin district was notorious for vice
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Repeatedly Asked Queries
Can notorious be used in a neutral context?
Yes, it can be used for someone well-known, irrespective of morality.
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Does infamous imply a level of fame?
Yes, but specifically fame for bad reasons.
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Is notorious always negative?
Not always; it can be negative or simply imply fame for remarkable actions.
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Is infamous used for minor wrongdoings?
Generally, no. It's used for significant moral transgressions.
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Is the term infamous recent in origin?
No, it has been in use for a long time to describe disreputable individuals or acts.
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Dec 27, 2023
Can notorious imply a sense of admiration?
Sometimes, especially if the actions are seen as impactful or bold.
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Does infamous always relate to criminal activity?
Not exclusively, but often relates to immoral or unethical actions.
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Can a positive deed be described as notorious?
Rarely, as notorious usually has a negative or controversial implication.
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Can notorious be used positively in arts?
Yes, like a notorious artist known for groundbreaking work.
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Can infamous have a positive connotation?
No, infamous is specifically used for negative reasons.
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Can notorious be a neutral descriptor?
It can be, especially when it denotes prominence without moral judgment.
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Is infamous a judgmental term?
Yes, it carries a strong judgment of moral reprehension.
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Can notorious be used in a humorous context?
Yes, sometimes it's used lightly to describe someone's well-known habits.
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Is infamous related to infamy?
Yes, both relate to being known for negative reasons.
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Can an event be both infamous and notorious?
Yes, if it's widely known for bad reasons but also has a significant impact.
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Can a place be notorious?
Yes, places can be notorious for various reasons, like history or events.
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Is infamous used in legal contexts?
Yes, often to describe crimes or criminals of particularly bad repute.
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Can notorious refer to talent?
In some contexts, like a musician notorious for exceptional skills.
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Does infamous mean the same as famous?
No, infamous specifically means famous for bad reasons.
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Does infamous imply a lasting reputation?
Often, yes. It suggests a lasting negative impression.
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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