depraved

USAGE SUMMARY

"depraved" is a correct and usable word in written English.
It is an adjective used to describe a person or group of people who are morally corrupt or evil. Example sentence: "The depraved criminals were caught and brought to justice."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Even depraved Japan claims to have no desire to hunt the great whales to extinction.Some anti-whalers appear to be in deep denial about these facts.

The Economist

These were serious charges, given that his agency regulates all publicly traded companies registered in the province, including most of Canada's top energy firms.Mr Sibold called his accusers "depraved" and "malicious" and says he has been defamed.

The Economist

Victorian pastors tried to save them from a nomadic lifestyle that they considered depraved.

The Economist

WHY are speculators considered depraved, while investors are considered righteous?

The Economist

Hogarth's paintings were too honest for some, with one contemporary magazine complaining of the "very many disgusting, if not depraved exhibitions of human nature" on display.

The Economist

The law encourages depraved vigilante attacks.

The Economist

He believed that most human beings are innately depraved, steeped in original sin, and unable to better themselves with their feeble reason.

Encyclopedia Britannica

To God, indeed, even infants were depraved, unregenerate, and damned.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Moreover, no matter how depraved the reigning pope may have been, Rome remained the spiritual capital of the Western church.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The book traces the development of a human soul against the background of a depraved Germany riven by war, depopulation, cruelty, and fear.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Kendall Jones' critics have variously described her as "sick" and "depraved" for killing the animals and boasting about it online.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "depraved" to describe actions or individuals exhibiting extreme moral corruption or perversion. Ensure the context clearly warrants such a strong term to avoid exaggeration.

Common error

Avoid using "depraved" to describe situations that are merely unpleasant or undesirable, reserving it for instances of profound moral decay.

Linguistic Context

The word "depraved" functions primarily as an adjective, modifying nouns to describe something or someone as morally corrupt, wicked, or perverted. Ludwig examples show its usage across varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Encyclopedias

27%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "depraved" functions as an adjective used to express strong moral disapproval and describe entities as deeply corrupt. Ludwig AI validates its correct usage in written English. It is a common term appearing frequently in news, encyclopedias, and scientific articles, signaling a neutral register while conveying intense negativity. When writing, reserve this word for situations involving profound moral corruption to avoid overstatement. Alternatives include "morally corrupt", "wicked", and "perverted", which offer nuanced ways to express similar sentiments.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

morally corrupt

Focuses specifically on the moral aspect of corruption, omitting potential distortions.

wicked

Implies evil and malicious intent, without necessarily suggesting a perversion of norms.

degenerate

Suggests a decline from a higher state, with less emphasis on active wrongdoing.

perverted

Emphasizes a distortion from what is considered normal or natural.

corrupted

Focuses on the process of becoming immoral or dishonest.

immoral

A more general term indicating a lack of adherence to moral principles.

nefarious

Highlights extreme wickedness and villainy, often in a secretive way.

base

Implies a lack of honor or dignity, with a focus on low moral standards.

sordid

Suggests moral distastefulness and a lack of respectability.

vile

Conveys extreme unpleasantness and repulsiveness, both morally and physically.

FAQs

How is "depraved" typically used in a sentence?

The word "depraved" is used as an adjective to describe something or someone morally corrupt or wicked. For example, "The "depraved actions" of the villain shocked everyone".

What are some synonyms for "depraved"?

Alternatives to "depraved" include "morally corrupt", "wicked", "degenerate", or "perverted", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What's the difference between "depraved" and "corrupt"?

"Depraved" suggests a deeper level of moral perversion and wickedness, while "corrupt" often implies dishonesty or bribery. A "depraved" individual might engage in evil acts, whereas a "corrupt official" might abuse their power for personal gain.

Is it correct to use "depraved" to describe a minor offense?

While technically grammatically correct, using "depraved" for a minor offense is an exaggeration and inappropriate. "Depraved" is best reserved for truly heinous or immoral acts. Using words like "inappropriate" or "wrong" are better options.