nefarious activities

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "nefarious activities" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe actions that are wicked, villainous, or morally wrong, often in a legal or criminal context. Example: "The investigation uncovered a series of nefarious activities that had been taking place under the radar for years."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This technique has already revealed a number of nefarious activities.

MIT Technology Review

She is there to discourage the nefarious activities that are part of backstretch lore.

The New York Times

The trigger was no specific action but, instead, the growing array of Russia's nefarious activities worldwide.

The New Yorker

Not to mention the beneficiaries of his nefarious activities," it said.

The Guardian

Western corporations are often complicit in these nefarious activities through the services and goods they provide.

The Guardian

Maybe he's just lying low, as a German; maybe he's on the run, his nefarious activities catching up to him.

The New Yorker

The Committee had been in existence for 17 months, but "had shown no nefarious activities, just the opposite.

Independent

She said the scheme allowed "fraudsters" to apply for South African passports that could be used for "nefarious activities abroad".

The New York Times

The deep web contributes to instability with false documents, espionage, weapon smuggling, drug and human trafficking, and other nefarious activities.

Yale University

"We can now focus more intensely on the nefarious activities that Iran is engaged in in the region," ABC news reported him as saying.

Independent

Iran might still sponsor terrorism and start wars, but "it'll be a lot easier for us to check Iran's nefarious activities if they don't have the bomb".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing actions as "nefarious activities", ensure there is strong evidence or credible sources to support the claim, as it carries a strong negative connotation.

Common error

Avoid using "nefarious activities" in casual conversation or informal writing. It is best suited for formal, legal, or journalistic contexts where the gravity of the actions needs to be emphasized.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "nefarious activities" functions as a noun phrase, where the adjective "nefarious" modifies the noun "activities". According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is commonly used to describe actions that are wicked or morally wrong.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

87%

Academia

5%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "nefarious activities" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe wicked or morally wrong actions. It is frequently found in news and media, and academia, indicating its suitability for formal contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in written English. When using the phrase, consider its strong negative connotation and ensure it is supported by evidence. Alternative phrases such as "wicked deeds" or "criminal actions" may be suitable depending on the specific context. Avoid using "nefarious activities" in casual or informal writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

wicked deeds

Emphasizes the moral reprehensibility of the actions.

criminal actions

Focuses on the legal aspect, highlighting that the activities are unlawful.

villainous acts

Suggests a deliberate and malicious intent behind the actions.

evil schemes

Highlights the planned and secretive nature of the activities.

corrupt practices

Implicates dishonesty and abuse of power.

immoral behavior

Focuses on the violation of moral principles.

unethical conduct

Implies a breach of professional or ethical standards.

illegal operations

Highlights covert and prohibited actions.

deplorable acts

Emphasizes the reprehensible nature of the actions, worthy of strong condemnation.

outrageous misdeeds

Suggests actions that are shockingly wrong and unacceptable.

FAQs

What are some synonyms for "nefarious activities"?

Alternatives include "wicked deeds", "criminal actions", or "villainous acts", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "nefarious activities" a formal or informal phrase?

"Nefarious activities" is considered a formal phrase best suited for legal, journalistic, or academic contexts rather than casual conversation.

How can I use "nefarious activities" in a sentence?

You can use "nefarious activities" to describe actions that are wicked, villainous, or morally wrong. For example: "The investigation uncovered a series of nefarious activities that had been taking place under the radar for years."

What distinguishes "nefarious activities" from similar terms like "illegal actions"?

"Nefarious activities" carries a stronger connotation of evil or immorality compared to "illegal actions", which simply indicates a violation of the law. While all nefarious activities may be illegal, not all illegal actions are necessarily nefarious.