Notorious vs. Infamous — What's the Difference?
By Fiza Rafique & Maham Liaqat — Updated on March 21, 2024
Notorious describes someone well-known for a negative reason, while infamous specifically refers to being famous for wickedness or criminality.
Difference Between Notorious and Infamous
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Notorious and infamous both imply a state of being well-known for undesirable reasons, but they differ subtly in connotation and usage. Notorious can refer to someone or something that is famous for a negative reason, which might not necessarily be criminal or evil but is generally unfavorable. Infamous, on the other hand, carries a stronger connotation, often associated with wickedness or criminality, suggesting that the person or act in question is not just widely known but also despised.
A notorious figure might be known for any number of negative traits, such as rudeness, arrogance, or unreliability, without necessarily being involved in criminal activities. An infamous person, however, is typically known for actions that are morally reprehensible or outright criminal, leading to public condemnation. For example, a celebrity might be notorious for their diva behavior, whereas a historical figure might be infamous for their role in committing atrocities.
The term "notorious" can sometimes be used in a slightly more neutral or even admiring context, particularly when the notoriety stems from defying social norms or expectations in a way that some people might find appealing or brave. Infamous, by contrast, almost always implies a strong negative judgment and is unlikely to be used in a positive or admiring context.
Public figures, historical or contemporary, might be described as notorious if their actions or characteristics have drawn significant public attention and criticism, but without the element of criminality or deep moral reprehensibility required for infamy. Infamous individuals are those whose actions have led to widespread moral outrage, often resulting in a legacy defined by those actions.
The distinction also affects how stories or reports about these individuals are received. A notorious person's actions might be followed with a mix of disapproval and fascination, reflecting the public's complex response to their behavior. In contrast, stories about infamous individuals are often met with condemnation and serve as cautionary tales, emphasizing the consequences of deeply unacceptable behavior.
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Comparison Chart
Connotation
Negative fame, not necessarily criminal.
Known for wickedness or criminality.
Examples
A celebrity known for bad behavior.
A historical figure known for crimes against humanity.
Usage Context
Can be slightly neutral or negative.
Strongly negative, almost never positive.
Public Reaction
Mix of disapproval and fascination.
Widespread condemnation and moral outrage.
Legacy
Known for negative traits or actions.
Defined by criminal or morally reprehensible actions.
Compare with Definitions
Notorious
Known widely for unfavorable reasons.
The CEO became notorious for his abrupt public outbursts.
Infamous
Known for actions that are morally reprehensible.
The dictator was infamous for his brutal regime and human rights abuses.
Notorious
The reasons for notoriety may not involve criminal activity.
The artist was notorious for his eccentric lifestyle and public antics.
Infamous
Infamy implies a legacy of wickedness.
The spy became infamous for betraying his country during the war.
Notorious
Notoriety can sometimes carry a mix of negative and positive connotations.
The novelist was notorious for her sharp wit and controversial topics.
Infamous
Legacy is closely tied to criminal or deeply unacceptable actions.
The historical figure's infamy stemmed from his role in orchestrating a massacre.
Notorious
Remembered for a notable trait or action, not always criminal.
The director's notorious perfectionism often led to clashes on set.
Infamous
Public reaction is typically one of condemnation.
The infamous crime shocked the nation, leading to widespread outrage.
Notorious
Often attracts a mix of criticism and interest.
The politician's notorious reputation made headlines, sparking debates.
Infamous
Infamy is almost exclusively negative.
The gang leader's infamous reputation was a warning to law enforcement.
Notorious
Famous or well known, typically for some bad quality or deed
Los Angeles is notorious for its smog
He was a notorious drinker and womanizer
Infamous
Having an exceedingly bad reputation; notorious
An infamous outlaw.
Notorious
Known widely and usually unfavorably
A notorious pirate.
A region notorious for floods.
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).
Notorious
Senses with an unfavourable connotation.
Infamous
(Law) Convicted of a crime, such as treason or felony, that carries a severe punishment. No longer in technical use.
Notorious
Of a person or entity: generally or widely known for something negative; infamous.
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.
Notorious
Of an act, situation, etc.: blameworthy in an obvious and offensive way; blatant, flagrant.
Infamous
Causing infamy; disgraceful.
This infamous deed tarnishes all involved.
Notorious
Senses with a favourable or neutral connotation.
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.
Notorious
Generally or widely known; of common knowledge; famous or well-known.
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.
Notorious
(obsolete)
Infamous
Causing or producing infamy; deserving detestation; scandalous to the last degree; as, an infamous act; infamous vices; infamous corruption.
Notorious
(obsolete) notoriously
Infamous
Branded with infamy by conviction of a crime; as, at common law, an infamous person can not be a witness.
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.
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.
Notorious
Having an exceedingly bad reputation;
A notorious gangster
The tenderloin district was notorious for vice
Infamous
Having an exceedingly bad reputation;
A notorious gangster
The tenderloin district was notorious for vice
Common Curiosities
What type of actions lead to infamy?
Actions that are widely considered morally reprehensible or criminal, such as betrayal, atrocities, or major scandals, can lead to infamy.
Can someone be both notorious and infamous?
Yes, an individual can be both if they are widely known for negative reasons, some of which involve criminality or moral reprehensibility.
Is it ever positive to be notorious?
While generally negative, notoriety can sometimes carry a more ambiguous or slightly admiring tone, depending on the context.
What is the difference in the public's reaction to notorious vs. infamous individuals?
Notorious individuals might attract both disapproval and fascination, whereas infamous individuals are more likely to be met with uniform condemnation and moral outrage.
How do historical figures become infamous?
Through actions or roles in events that are widely recognized as morally wrong or criminal, leading to a legacy defined by those actions.
Can the reputation of being notorious or infamous change over time?
Yes, societal values and historical reinterpretations can alter perceptions, potentially shifting views on what is considered notorious or infamous.
Can an inanimate object be notorious or infamous?
Yes, places, objects, or events can be described as notorious or infamous, usually in relation to negative or tragic historical associations.
Is infamy always related to criminal acts?
While not always strictly criminal, infamy is associated with actions that are deeply morally reprehensible.
Can a positive action ever make someone infamous?
No, infamy is almost exclusively used to describe negative fame resulting from actions that are universally condemned.
How does the media typically portray notorious individuals?
The media might portray notorious individuals with a mix of criticism and intrigue, often focusing on both their actions and the public's varied reactions.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
