Definition

Adverb: In a manner that is widely and unfavorably known; to a degree that is famous or well-known, typically for a bad quality or fact.

Usage

The adverb "notoriously" is used to modify a verb, adjective, or another adverb to indicate that the action or quality is famous in a negative or infamous way. It emphasizes that something is well-known for being bad, difficult, unreliable, etc.

Examples

• The software is notoriously difficult to install for beginners.
• He is notoriously late for every meeting.
• The city's traffic is notoriously congested during rush hour.
• That restaurant is notoriously expensive.

Advanced Usage

• "Notoriously" can be used to introduce a clause that provides a well-known example supporting a previous statement.
  • Many historical figures had complex private lives, notoriously, King Henry VIII.
• It can be used in a slightly exaggerated or humorous way to describe a commonly acknowledged trait, not always with severe negative judgment.
  • My brother is notoriously bad at keeping secrets.

Variants and Related Words

• Notorious (adjective): Famous or well-known, typically for some bad quality or deed.
  • He was a notorious criminal.
• Notoriety (noun): The state of being famous or well-known for a bad quality or deed.
  • He gained notoriety for his outrageous comments.

Synonyms

• Infamously
• Notedly (especially for a negative trait)
• Proverbially (when referring to a widely known saying or characteristic)

Antonyms

• Obscurely
• Unknownly
• Famously (when "famously" implies positive fame)

Related Phrases and Collocations

• Notoriously hard/difficult: Very widely known to be hard.
  • The final exam is notoriously difficult.
• Notoriously slow/fast: Very widely known for its speed (or lack thereof).
  • The bureaucratic process is notoriously slow.
• Notoriously unreliable: Famous for not being dependable.
  • The old model of that car is notoriously unreliable.

Adverb

1. to a notorious degree
   • European emigres, who notoriously used to repair to the British Museum to write seditious pamphlets