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Synonyms

notoriously

American  
[noh-tawr-ee-uhs-lee, nuh-] / noʊˈtɔr i əs li, nə- /

adverb

  1. in a way that is generally and usually unfavorably known to the wider public or to a particular group.

    Turnout in spring elections is notoriously low.

    Gift cards are a great option for that family member who is notoriously hard to shop for.

Etymology

Origin of notoriously

notorious ( def. ) + -ly

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

For more than 40 years, train passengers arriving into Aberdeen looking for a shortcut into the city centre have faced a notoriously tiring 32-step climb.

From BBC • Apr. 17, 2026

It is notoriously difficult to sue federal officers under recent Supreme Court precedents.

From Slate • Apr. 15, 2026

The pass rate for California’s notoriously difficult bar exam in February 2025 was 64%.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 15, 2026

Airline mergers have been notoriously difficult to complete in recent years, and while it isn’t impossible, UBS analysts said the chances of a deal materializing “are probably remote.”

From Barron's • Apr. 14, 2026

The category is “On the Map,” but I’m notoriously bad at geography.

From "South of Somewhere" by Kalena Miller

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.