malicious mischief

USAGE SUMMARY

"malicious mischief" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to describe someone causing intentional harm or damage, such as "The teenagers were arrested for malicious mischief after breaking the windows of the store."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

39 human-written examples

Elvira's malicious mischief ultimately causes Ruth's death.

The New Yorker

This is for malicious mischief, vandalism, criminal damage.

The Guardian - Opinion

He would also be charged with malicious mischief.

The New York Times

The official charge is malicious mischief, a misdemeanor.

The New York Times

Malicious mischief, vandalism, piracy, sabotage, anarchy, riots, or other civil commotions.

The New Yorker

Mr. Sudarsky ended up being convicted of malicious mischief and fined $300.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

17 human-written examples

Even in this case, Flashback was only mildly malicious and easily removed; mischief-makers did not have time to make it nastier.

The Economist

Regardless of the financial settlement he has since arranged, Lee should be charged with inciting criminal mischief, reckless and malicious endangerment, and for upending the lives of an elderly Florida couple, David and Elaine McClain, who had to flee their home because of death threats linked to Lee's erroneous re-tweet.

Huffington Post

Williams, a 19-year-old linebacker, was charged Monday with felony malicious damage to fire extinguishers, misdemeanor criminal mischief and misdemeanor battery at a hotel on a recruiting trip to the University of Florida over Super Bowl weekend.

The New York Times - Sports

While they both get into mischief, neither seem to have a malicious bone in their bodies.

Huffington Post

Because LBA (via n−ℓ i ≤k) and bounded set reconciliation limit mischief for the combined super-round, each malicious peer can, as leader, once cause bounded set reconciliation during the ECHO round to all-to-all transmit at most k extra elements, resulting in a total of O(f k n 2) extra traffic over all f+1 rounds.

EURASIP Journal on Information Security

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about legal matters, use "malicious mischief" to specifically denote the intent and nature of the property damage, differentiating it from accidental damage or simple vandalism. Be precise in legal contexts to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "malicious mischief" when the damage or destruction was unintentional or accidental. The term carries a connotation of deliberate intent to cause harm, so using "vandalism" or "property damage" might be more accurate if the intent is unclear.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "malicious mischief" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a subject or object in a sentence. It is used to denote a specific type of crime involving intentional damage to property, as Ludwig examples show.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Wiki

15%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "malicious mischief" is a frequently used noun phrase that accurately describes intentional damage or destruction of property driven by ill will. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used, particularly in news and legal contexts. While synonyms such as "vandalism" and "criminal damage" exist, "malicious mischief" specifically highlights the intent behind the action. It's essential to understand the intent behind the destructive acts, so the phrase is not confused with simple vandalism or unintentional damage. When employing it in writing, particularly in legal or formal contexts, precise language is key to accurately convey the nature and intent of the actions. Top sources, including The New York Times and The Guardian, indicate its reliable and widespread use.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Intentional destruction of property

Emphasizes the deliberate nature of the act, clarifying the mens rea (guilty mind).

Willful damage

Similar to "malicious mischief", but without the specific legal connotations.

Vandalism

A more general term for the deliberate destruction or damage of property.

Deliberate vandalism

Highlights the premeditated nature of the destructive act.

Criminal damage

Focuses on the legal aspect of causing damage, often used in law enforcement contexts.

Wanton destruction

Stresses the reckless and extravagant nature of the damage.

Property damage

A broad term that includes accidental damage, lacking the element of intent found in "malicious mischief".

Hooliganism

Often associated with public disturbances and unruly behavior, broader than just property damage.

Sabotage

Implies a more strategic and targeted form of destruction, often for political or economic reasons.

Arson

Specifically refers to the act of intentionally setting fire to property.

FAQs

How is "malicious mischief" different from vandalism?

"Malicious mischief" specifically implies intentional and deliberate harm to property, driven by ill will. Vandalism, while also involving damage, doesn't always require proof of malicious intent; it can include reckless or thoughtless destruction.

What are some synonyms for "malicious mischief"?

Depending on the context, you can use synonyms such as "vandalism", "criminal damage", or "willful damage".

What kind of acts are considered "malicious mischief"?

"Malicious mischief" can include acts like breaking windows, graffiti, or any other deliberate damage to someone else's property, motivated by ill will or resentment.

Is "malicious mischief" a serious crime?

The severity of the crime depends on the extent of the damage and the specific laws of the jurisdiction. It can range from a misdemeanor to a felony, depending on the value of the damaged property and the intent behind the act.