Here are some ways to think of it:
* Famous for the wrong reasons: Someone notorious might be known for their crimes, scandals, or controversial behavior.
* Negative reputation: The word implies a negative connotation, suggesting that the person or thing is known for something undesirable.
* Widely known: While "famous" can have positive connotations, "notorious" always carries a sense of negativity.
Examples:
* "Al Capone was a notorious gangster."
* "The city is notorious for its high crime rate."
* "That restaurant is notorious for its terrible service."
Synonyms:
* Infamous
* Disreputable
* Scandalous
* Ill-famed