notoriously

Notoriously is an adverb used to indicate that something is widely known for a negative or disreputable reason. It emphasizes a reputational flaw that is perceived as persistent or characteristic rather than incidental. In most contexts, notoriously signals disapproval and is rarely used for neutral or favorable attributes.

Etymology traces notoriously to the adjective notorious, which comes from Latin notoriosus meaning well known, formed from notus meaning known. The term entered English via Latin and Old French routes, and the adverb notoriously was created by adding the standard -ly suffix to the adjective, with the negative shade strengthening over time.

Usage and nuance: Notoriously is used to highlight negative traits or conditions that are widely recognized as problematic. It can modify people, organizations, practices, policies, or places, signaling that the reputation is longstanding or repeatedly observed. It carries a supervisory or evaluative tone, so it is most appropriate in journalism, critique, or scholarly writing where the negative reputation is central to the discussion. It is less suitable for neutral descriptions or praise.

Examples: The software is notoriously buggy, making frequent updates essential. The region is notoriously prone to flooding, even after mitigation efforts. The policy is notoriously slow to adapt to new evidence. A careful writer may opt for alternatives such as “widely known for” or “infamous for” when the nuance of judgment needs to be controlled.

Related terms include infamous and notorious; notorious is often milder than infamous in everyday usage but retains a clearly negative connotation.