Infamy vs. Notoriety — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on September 14, 2023
Infamy is known for evil deeds or wickedness, while notoriety is general fame for some characteristic or action, whether good or bad.
Difference Between Infamy and Notoriety
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Infamy and Notoriety, while both denoting fame, have distinct connotations. Infamy is often used to describe being known for something negative or evil. A person or event described as infamous would be remembered for the wrong reasons. Notoriety, while sometimes used in a similar context as infamy, can be more neutral and merely means being widely known, often for a singular characteristic or act.
Infamy carries a weight of judgment. An infamous act is not just known by many but is also typically disapproved of or looked down upon by the majority. Notoriety doesn't always come with such heavy negative implications. A person can achieve notoriety for various reasons, be they scandalous, impressive, or merely unique.
Additionally, when we think of infamy, we might think of historically negative events or people who have left a mark due to their wickedness or malevolence. Notoriety, on the other hand, can be fleeting and might relate to contemporary figures or events that have captured the public's attention, irrespective of their moral standing.
While both words can sometimes be used interchangeably, especially in situations where the context is negative, they retain unique flavors. Infamy is decidedly more negative, implying shame or disgrace. Notoriety simply implies being well-known, with the reason for that fame being open to interpretation.
Comparison Chart
Connotation
Negative or evil.
Neutral; can be either positive or negative.
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Implication
Known for wicked deeds.
Widely known for some characteristic or action.
Historical Usage
Associated with historically negative events/people.
Can be contemporary, fleeting fame.
Judgment
Implies disgrace or dishonor.
Merely implies being well-known.
Scope
Specific to disgraceful acts or individuals.
Broad; relates to being notable or prominent.
Compare with Definitions
Infamy
A state of disgrace or dishonor.
The politician's corrupt practices led to his infamy.
Notoriety
Being widely known for a particular reason.
The artist gained notoriety for his avant-garde installations.
Infamy
The quality of being notoriously bad.
The event's infamy lingered for decades.
Notoriety
Fame achieved rapidly, often due to a specific event.
The whistleblower's notoriety skyrocketed overnight.
Infamy
A reputation tainted by scandal.
Her betrayal sealed her infamy.
Notoriety
Public attention or recognition.
His groundbreaking research brought him scientific notoriety.
Infamy
Being known for wickedness or evil.
His crimes earned him a place in history's hall of infamy.
Notoriety
Prominence due to controversial actions.
The company's marketing stunt led to unexpected notoriety.
Infamy
A heinous act or occurrence.
The day of the attack is remembered as a date of infamy.
Notoriety
Being well-known, irrespective of positive or negative context.
The landmark's notoriety makes it a tourist hotspot.
Infamy
Infamy, in common usage, is the notoriety gained from a negative incident or reputation (as opposed to fame). The word stems from the Latin infamia, antonym of fama (in the sense of "good reputation").
Notoriety
The quality or condition of being notorious. See Usage Note at notorious.
Infamy
Very bad reputation; notoriety
Achieved infamy as the central figure in the scandal.
Notoriety
An infamous or notorious condition or reputation.
Infamy
The condition of being infamous; disgrace
A name that will live in infamy.
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.
Infamy
An evil or criminal act that is publicly known.
Notoriety
The state of being known for some unfavorable act or quality
Infamy
The state of being infamous.
Infamy
The state of having a reputation as being evil.
Infamy
A reprehensible occurrence or situation.
Infamy
(legal) A stigma attaching to a person's character that disqualifies them from being a witness.
Infamy
Total loss of reputation; public disgrace; dishonor; ignominy; indignity.
The afflicted queen would not yield, and said she would not . . . submit to such infamy.
Infamy
A quality which exposes to disgrace; extreme baseness or vileness; as, the infamy of an action.
Infamy
That loss of character, or public disgrace, which a convict incurs, and by which he is at common law rendered incompetent as a witness.
Yesterday, Dec. 7, 1941 - a day which will live in infamy, . . .
Infamy
A state of extreme dishonor;
A date which will live in infamy
The name was a by-word of scorn and opprobrium throughout the city
Infamy
Evil fame or public reputation
Common Curiosities
Can notoriety be positive?
Yes, notoriety simply means being widely known, and the reason can be positive, negative, or neutral.
Is infamy always negative?
Yes, infamy typically carries a negative connotation, indicating evil or wickedness.
Can someone seek notoriety deliberately?
Yes, individuals sometimes pursue actions intending to achieve notoriety, whether for personal, professional, or other reasons.
Can events be described as infamous or notorious?
Yes, events can earn infamy due to their negative impact or gain notoriety for their significance or controversy.
Are all notorious figures also infamous?
No, while some notorious figures are infamous for negative reasons, others might be notorious for unique, positive, or neutral reasons.
Is being notorious the same as being famous?
Not necessarily. While both indicate being well-known, notoriety often suggests fame for a specific action or trait, which might be controversial.
Is there a positive equivalent for infamy?
"Fame" or "renown" can be seen as positive counterparts to infamy, indicating being well-known for good reasons.
Can a person transition from infamy to notoriety?
While infamy is specific to negative fame, public perceptions can change, leading someone to be remembered more for their notoriety than their infamous acts.
How can someone overcome infamy?
Overcoming infamy often requires sincere efforts to make amends, coupled with time and changed public perception.
Do media scandals always lead to infamy?
Not always. While some media scandals can lead to infamy, others might result in fleeting notoriety.
Can a work of art be notorious?
Absolutely. Works of art can achieve notoriety due to their content, style, or the reactions they provoke.
Is infamy lasting?
Infamy, being linked to particularly evil or disgraceful acts, often endures in historical or social memory.
How do cultural differences impact perceptions of infamy and notoriety?
Cultural norms and values can influence what actions are deemed "infamous" or what kind of notoriety is celebrated or condemned.
Can organizations gain notoriety?
Yes, organizations, like individuals, can gain notoriety for specific actions, achievements, or controversies.
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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.
