evil

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "evil" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that is morally wrong, harmful or malicious. For example, "His actions were driven by an evil desire for revenge."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Film

TV & Radio

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We've bought into the charity line that these full-on formats are a necessary evil.

The Guardian - Opinion

Polish farmers, who before accession were tearing their shirts and warning that the evil Germans and French would buy up Polish land for nothing, are emerging as the biggest beneficiaries of the EU.

The Guardian

Since all it takes for evil to prevail is one good seven-year-old to do nothing, I continued to crack the case wide open: "And what about the tooth fairy?" I got up to tell my sister, but was waylaid by an adult offering me chocolate cake in exchange for my silence.

The Guardian - Opinion

The poster for these current live shows, A Room With a Stew, features two oversized quotes: one from the Daily Telegraph calling him "toxic" and another from a Ukip parliamentary candidate describing his routine as "totally evil propaganda… untrue and unfunny".

The Guardian

Hollow A cursed tree is the root of rural evil in this British horror.

The Guardian - Film

"We shall triumph over all this evil that wants to debase our humanity or obstruct our progress as a nation," he vowed.

The Guardian

In his drive to create a new political system in Hungary, Orbán appears to view politics as a zero-sum game where the winner takes all in a fight between good and evil.

The Guardian

Perhaps the Coalition has realised that government debt is not the evil it made it out to be.

The Guardian - Opinion

As the father of two daughters, he thinks this is an act of "pure evil".

The Guardian

The mother-and-daughter duo tottered back onto the cobbles like a pair of evil twins, with sarcasm and surliness dripping from every one of their pretty little pores.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

This was a cause he was happy to be swept into: climate change made a perfect subplot for his grand narrative about the world of evil capitalism ruining nature.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing abstract concepts, use "evil" to represent the polar opposite of good, focusing on its impact on morality and ethics.

Common error

Avoid using "evil" to describe minor inconveniences or disagreements. Save it for situations that genuinely involve significant moral wrongdoing to maintain its impact.

Linguistic Context

The word "evil" functions primarily as a noun or an adjective. As a noun, it represents the abstract concept of profound immorality. As an adjective, it describes something as wicked or harmful. According to Ludwig AI, it's grammatically correct and widely applicable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Film

15%

TV & Radio

10%

Less common in

Books

5%

Lifestyle

3%

Sport

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "evil" is a powerful descriptor, widely used in various contexts to denote profound immorality and harm. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and versatile, serving as both a noun and an adjective. Its use is frequent in News & Media, film, and TV, highlighting its relevance in discussing moral and ethical issues. When writing, use "evil" judiciously, reserving it for situations that genuinely warrant such a strong term. While alternatives like "wickedness" and "malevolence" exist, "evil" carries a distinct weight, emphasizing the depth of moral wrong. Remember, overusing it can diminish its impact, so apply it thoughtfully to maintain its significance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

wickedness

Focuses on the state or quality of being evil or morally wrong.

malevolence

Highlights the intention or desire to do evil; emphasizes the malicious intent.

immorality

Refers to behavior that violates moral principles; emphasizes the deviation from accepted moral standards.

depravity

Indicates extreme corruption or wickedness; suggests a deep moral decay.

atrocity

Emphasizes a shockingly cruel or wicked act; typically used for particularly heinous deeds.

malice

Highlights the intention to do harm; focuses on the desire to inflict pain or suffering.

villainy

Refers to wicked or criminal behavior, often associated with fictional characters.

nefariousness

Emphasizes the extreme wickedness and immorality of an action or character.

corruption

Focuses on the decay of morals, ethics, or values; highlights the state of being dishonest or fraudulent.

darkness

Emphasizes the mysterious, sinister, and destructive aspects of evil.

FAQs

How can I use "evil" in a sentence?

You can use "evil" to describe something morally wrong, harmful, or malicious. For example, "The dictator's regime was characterized by its evil policies".

What are some alternatives to the word "evil"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "wickedness", "malevolence", or "immorality".

What's the difference between "evil" and "bad"?

"Bad" is a general term for something undesirable or not good, while "evil" specifically refers to something profoundly immoral and malevolent. "Evil" suggests a deeper level of moral corruption.

Is it appropriate to use "evil" in formal writing?

Yes, it is appropriate, but use it judiciously. "Evil" carries strong connotations, so ensure it accurately reflects the severity of the situation you're describing. Overuse can diminish its impact.