Fame vs. Notoriety — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Maham Liaqat — Updated on April 30, 2024
Fame generally refers to widespread recognition for positive achievements; notoriety, on the other hand, implies being known for negative reasons.
Difference Between Fame and Notoriety
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Fame is typically associated with positive public recognition and respect, often resulting from one's achievements or talents. Notoriety, meanwhile, suggests infamy or being known widely in a negative light, often due to one's actions or scandals.
Famous individuals are often celebrated and admired in various fields such as arts, science, and sports. Notorious figures, however, are usually subjects of public disapproval or controversy, stemming from their involvement in less commendable activities.
While fame can lead to endorsements, increased opportunities, and a legacy of admiration, notoriety might result in public backlash, legal issues, and a tarnished reputation.
Being famous generally contributes positively to a person’s brand and public image, enhancing their influence and societal status. Conversely, notoriety can complicate personal and professional relationships, impacting one's ability to capitalize on their public persona.
Fame is often sought after and cherished as a measure of success and societal contribution. In contrast, notoriety is typically unwanted and arises as a consequence of questionable actions or misdeeds.
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Comparison Chart
Connotation
Positive
Negative
Result of
Achievements, talents
Controversial actions, scandals
Public perception
Admiration, respect
Disapproval, controversy
Impact on opportunities
Increases opportunities
Often limits or complicates opportunities
Desirability
Generally sought after
Generally avoided
Compare with Definitions
Fame
The condition of being famous or celebrated.
His fame was not just due to his acting skills but also his charitable activities.
Notoriety
The state of being famous or well known for some bad quality or deed.
He gained notoriety for his involvement in the political scandal.
Fame
Renown or widespread recognition due to positive achievements.
Her fame as a novelist grew after her book won a prestigious award.
Notoriety
A negative form of celebrity due to undesirable actions.
Her notoriety arose from numerous legal battles.
Fame
Popularity or widespread acclaim.
Her fame in the dance community is well-deserved.
Notoriety
Being ill-famed or notorious.
His notoriety as a con artist made headlines.
Fame
The state of being known or talked about by many people, especially in a positive way.
He reached a level of fame that few artists ever achieve.
Notoriety
Widespread recognition or fame in terms of negative aspects.
Her notoriety overshadowed her earlier achievements.
Fame
Public eminence or recognition for good reasons.
The scientist gained fame for her contribution to renewable energy technologies.
Notoriety
Infamous or known widely in an unfavorable sense.
The gang was known for its notoriety in the region.
Fame
The state of being widely known, widely recognized, or of great popular interest
A singer of international fame.
Notoriety
The quality or condition of being notorious. See Usage Note at notorious.
Fame
Public estimation; reputation
A politician of ill fame.
Notoriety
An infamous or notorious condition or reputation.
Fame
(Archaic) Rumor.
Notoriety
The quality or condition of being notorious; the state of being generally or publicly known; - commonly used in an unfavorable sense; as, the notoriety of a crime.
They were not subjects in their own nature so exposed to public notoriety.
Fame
To make renowned or famous.
Notoriety
The state of being known for some unfavorable act or quality
Fame
(Archaic) To report to be
"The fancy cannot cheat so well / As she is famed to do" (John Keats).
Fame
Something said or reported; gossip, rumour.
Fame
One's reputation.
Fame
The state of being famous or well-known and spoken of.
Fame
(transitive) to make (someone or something) famous
Fame
Public report or rumor.
The fame thereof was heard in Pharaoh's house.
Fame
Report or opinion generally diffused; renown; public estimation; celebrity, either favorable or unfavorable; as, the fame of Washington.
I find thou art no less than fame hath bruited.
Fame
To report widely or honorably.
The field where thou art famedTo have wrought such wonders.
Fame
To make famous or renowned.
Those Hesperian gardens famed of old.
Fame
The state or quality of being widely honored and acclaimed
Fame
Favorable public reputation
Common Curiosities
What is the main difference between fame and notoriety?
Fame is positive recognition for achievements, while notoriety is being known for negative reasons.
Can a person be both famous and notorious?
Yes, individuals can be both famous and notorious, depending on their actions and public perception.
Does notoriety always have negative consequences?
Notoriety often has negative consequences, but it can also bring attention and notability in some fields.
Is fame always beneficial?
While generally beneficial, fame can also bring undue pressure and loss of privacy.
Can notoriety change into fame?
Notoriety can potentially evolve into fame if a person's subsequent actions redeem their earlier negative public image.
How does media contribute to fame and notoriety?
Media plays a crucial role in shaping both fame and notoriety by highlighting certain actions, achievements, or scandals.
What are examples of professions where fame is common?
Acting, sports, and music are fields where fame is commonly pursued and achieved.
How do people typically respond to famous versus notorious individuals?
People tend to admire famous individuals and may be critical or wary of notorious ones.
What kind of actions typically lead to notoriety?
Actions like scandals, criminal activities, or highly controversial behaviors often lead to notoriety.
What impact does fame have on a person's life compared to notoriety?
Fame can enhance a person's life with more opportunities, whereas notoriety can complicate or diminish quality of life.
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Written by
Maham Liaqat
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
