evilness

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "evilness" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the quality or state of being evil, often in a moral or ethical context. Example: "The villain's evilness was evident in his cruel actions and lack of remorse."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

Neiman says that to be evil, someone need not be aware of the full evilness of his intentions.

The New York Times - Books

Later in the episode, when Clare gets the first "date card" and asks Graham out, AshLee goes full-out Glenn Close in Fatal Attraction, locking herself in a bathroom and proceeding to perform an epic rant about the unjustness of the universe and the evilness that is Clare.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

A lot of evilness comes when you are anonymous".

The Guardian - Film

When he mixed antibiotics with the blood and the animals didn't die, thus showing it was bacteria that killed the cute-and-fluffies, not the innate evilness of womankind.

Independent

Should such evilness be sung, made to sound half beautiful?

The New Yorker

Peter could sense hatred, anger, "the worst possible evilness," and he could see upraised hands.

The New Yorker

And this is not a case like J.R. Ewing or Al Swearengen, where a character's over-the-top evilness immediately defined his charm; this is a series in which the main character has actively become evil, but we still want him to succeed.

The New York Times

The latest evilness I've learned about in comments and correspondence is that I have a double standard on bubbles — I talk about the Bush housing bubble, but I never said a word about the Clinton stock bubble.

The New York Times

Snidely Whiplash types, twirling their mustaches and smirking over their evilness, do exist, but they're rare.

The New York Times

"It is not the physical pain that wounds me, nor the chain around my neck that torments me, but the mental agony of all this, the evilness of bad people and the indifference of good people," General Mendieta wrote in a letter dated Dec. 21, 2007.

The New York Times

"Inseparable" gathers momentum when Donoghue arrives at the "Monsters" motif, which she defines as that in which "a wicked woman tries to seduce and destroy an innocent one," in stories whose heroines summon intense emotions, their evilness a seduction in itself.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "evilness", consider the context and whether a more precise term like "wickedness" or "malevolence" might be more appropriate. Ensure that the tone and formality of your writing align with the chosen term.

Common error

While grammatically sound, "evilness" can sometimes sound less sophisticated in formal writing. Opt for alternatives such as "wickedness", "malevolence", or "depravity" to achieve a more polished and impactful tone.

Linguistic Context

The term "evilness" functions primarily as a noun, denoting the quality or state of being evil. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. Examples from Ludwig show it used to describe the abstract concept of evil, as in "the evilness of caste and gender exploitation".

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Science

12%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "evilness" is a grammatically correct noun used to describe the quality or state of being evil. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, showcasing its use across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While "evilness" is widely understood, writers should consider the specific nuance they want to convey and whether more precise terms like "wickedness" or "malevolence" may be more suitable. Ludwig's examples highlight its role in expressing moral disapproval and condemning reprehensible actions. While generally neutral in register, it's important to consider the formality of the context when choosing between "evilness" and its alternatives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

wickedness

Similar to "evilness" but can sometimes imply a more active or intentional form of evil.

malevolence

Suggests a deep-seated ill will and desire to harm others, often with a more formal connotation.

villainy

Refers to the actions or qualities of a villain, implying a more dramatic or theatrical form of evil.

depravity

Indicates a state of moral corruption and wickedness.

immorality

A general term referring to actions or beliefs that violate moral principles.

atrocity

Focuses on particularly cruel or shocking acts of evil.

corruption

Implies a decay of moral values, often within a system or institution.

nefariousness

Suggests extreme wickedness and a willingness to commit evil acts.

sinfulness

Connects evil to religious or moral transgression.

wrongdoing

A general term for any act that is morally or legally wrong.

FAQs

How can I use "evilness" in a sentence?

You can use "evilness" to describe the quality or state of being evil. For example, "The dictator's actions demonstrated the sheer evilness of his regime."

What are some alternatives to "evilness"?

You can use alternatives like "wickedness", "malevolence", or "depravity" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "evilness" a formal or informal term?

"Evilness" is generally considered a neutral term, suitable for various contexts, but alternatives like "malevolence" may be more appropriate for formal writing.

What's the difference between "evilness" and "wickedness"?

While both terms relate to evil, "wickedness" often implies a more active and intentional form of evil, whereas "evilness" can refer to the general quality of being evil.