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Do the following terms have positive, neutral or negative meaning?

  • memorable
  • impressive
  • remarkable

What are other similar terms that are used for positive, neutral and negative intention?

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All the terms mentioned so far (memorable, impressive, remarkable, unforgettable, etc.) tend to have positive connotations in the absence of any negative modifier. Memorable is the most neutral of the bunch.

For equivalents to memorable that have a negative connotation, you may have to go a little further afield. Traumatic, notorious and infamous can all mean "memorable in a bad way."

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Impressive has a clear positive meaning (“evoking admiration”, says the New Oxford American Dictionary). Memorable and remarkable are both supposedly neutral, and can be combined with negative events (e.g., “a memorable death”). For some reasons, I myself find remarkable as having a slightly positive tone that memorable doesn't have; others might comment in other answers or comments.

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  • I think that memorable and remarkable are normally positive (for example one could exclaim "Remarkable!", and it would be generally viewed as a positive statement, even if the people who heard didn't know the context) except when they are applied to events with negative connotations.
    – Matt E. Эллен
    Commented Mar 6, 2011 at 20:44
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There is always unforgettable, which is neutral, and momentous, which is usually positive. Depending on the context you might also say lasting, noteworthy or historic.

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  • I would have said unforgettable was usually positive, in the absence of explicit qualification...
    – psmears
    Commented Mar 6, 2011 at 21:22
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Leaving a lasting mark/impression is more than a word, but also should be there

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Most words here have slightly (or clearly) positive connotations. For one with a clearly negative one, try devastating.

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  • never-to-be-forgotten
  • ineffaceable
  • indelible, indissoluble, un-removable, irrevocable, undying, imperishable
  • prominent, striking, shocking, incredible, glaring
  • long-standing, durable, life-long, live-long, relenting, lingering, evergreen
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