What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
infamy
Example
The criminal achieved infamy after committing a series of heinous crimes. [infamy: noun]
Example
The politician's infamy was cemented after being caught in a corruption scandal. [infamy: noun]
notoriety
Example
The singer gained notoriety after a scandalous performance at the awards show. [notoriety: noun]
Example
The company achieved notoriety for its controversial business practices. [notoriety: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Notoriety is more commonly used than infamy in everyday language. Notoriety is a more versatile word that can be used in a wider range of contexts, while infamy is less common and more specific in its usage.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between infamy and notoriety?
Both infamy and notoriety are formal words that are typically used in serious or professional contexts, such as news articles or legal documents.
