wickedness

/ˈwɪkɪdnəs/ (bre, ipa) · [wˈɪkədnəs] /ˈwɪkɪdnəs/ (ame, ipa) · [wˈɪkədnəs] /ˈwi-kəd-nəs How to pronounce wickedness (audio)/ (ame, mw)

wickedness — noun

1. behaviour that is extremely bad in a moral sense — for instance, deliberately ca

1.名詞B2
釋義

behaviour that is extremely bad in a moral sense — for instance, deliberately causing harm to others, telling lies that destroy someone's reputation, or committing cruel acts without feeling guilt.

例句

The villagers were shocked by the wickedness of the crime committed against their neighbour.

wickedness of + noun phrase

Naoko could not believe the wickedness behind the lies that had destroyed her family's name.

uncountable noun used with definite article

同義詞
  • evil

    broader term — can describe a person, act, quality, or supernatural force; wickedness focuses more on actions and character

  • malice

    more specific — refers only to the deliberate intention to harm others

  • villainy

    more dramatic and literary, often associated with characters in stories or films

反義詞
  • goodness

    general opposite; refers to morally good behaviour or character

  • virtue

    suggests moral excellence and high ethical standards

用法筆記

Frequently found in formal or literary contexts; the word is rarely used in casual conversation. It describes behaviour that shows a complete lack of moral conscience, not minor wrongdoing.