What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
infamous
Example
The criminal was infamous for his heinous crimes. [infamous: adjective]
Example
The company became infamous for its unethical business practices. [infamous: adjective]
notorious
Example
The notorious gang leader was finally caught by the police. [notorious: adjective]
Example
The celebrity's notorious behavior made headlines around the world. [notorious: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Notorious is more commonly used than infamous in everyday language. Notorious is more versatile and covers a wider range of contexts, while infamous is less common and is typically used in more formal or literary contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between infamous and notorious?
Both infamous and notorious are associated with a negative connotation and are generally used in informal or negative contexts. However, infamous is less versatile and is typically used in more formal or literary contexts, while notorious can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
