nefarious purpose

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "nefarious purpose" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an intention or goal that is wicked, villainous, or morally wrong. Example: "The villain's nefarious purpose was to take over the world and enslave humanity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

Most of the time, this is for a nefarious purpose.

The New York Times

It's not for some nefarious purpose — if I disliked black people, I would probably not choose to sit with them.

The New York Times - Magazine

He added, "There was no other nefarious purpose, and as a result they have decided not to charge me".

The New York Times

"Unfortunately, there are many people who may see a person's name and address on a license and use the information for some nefarious purpose," Mr. McKeon said.

The New York Times

There may – indeed, there must be a few outliers – people of premeditated evil who assume office for personal gain or other nefarious purpose.

The Guardian - Opinion

Other tests have had a more nefarious purpose -- to prevent women from joining some fire departments, for example, or African-Americans from voting.

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

Was this car crash deliberately staged for nefarious purposes?

The Guardian - Opinion

On Wednesday, Mr. Dimon said he didn't believe the change was made for "nefarious purposes".

The New York Times

And in what ways, exactly, might an ill-intentioned yet formally law-abiding Administration use its powers for nefarious purposes?

The New Yorker

In the past, conspiracy theorists have accused the C.I.A. of helping to spread disease for its own nefarious purposes.

The New York Times

"The echoes of such iconography are obvious: powerful Jews controlling western politicians for their own nefarious purposes.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "nefarious purpose", ensure the context clearly establishes the malicious or harmful nature of the intention. Avoid using it casually; the phrase carries a strong connotation of evil.

Common error

Avoid using "nefarious purpose" to describe minor mischief or harmless pranks. The phrase is reserved for truly wicked or villainous intentions; using it otherwise can sound hyperbolic and diminish its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "nefarious purpose" functions as a noun phrase where "nefarious" (adjective) modifies "purpose" (noun). Ludwig AI validates that it serves to specify the type of intent. Examples in Ludwig highlight its use in describing motives behind actions.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Science

8%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "nefarious purpose" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to describe a wicked or villainous intention. Ludwig AI confirms that it fits well within both formal and informal contexts, with the majority of uses appearing in News & Media. Although the phrase is considered correct, writers should be mindful of its strong connotation, reserving it for describing intentions that are genuinely evil or morally reprehensible. Synonymous alternatives include "malicious intent" and "wicked aim", offering nuanced options for writers seeking precision. The frequency of the phrase in authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian underscores its linguistic validity and cultural relevance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

malicious intent

Replaces "nefarious" with "malicious" maintaining a focus on harmful intent.

wicked aim

Substitutes "nefarious" with "wicked", emphasizing the morally wrong nature of the objective.

evil design

Replaces both words with synonyms that still suggest a planned act of malevolence.

sinister motive

Changes "purpose" to "motive", highlighting the underlying reason for a harmful action.

criminal intention

Focuses specifically on the illegal aspect of the purpose.

dishonorable objective

Replaces "nefarious" with "dishonorable", emphasizing a lack of integrity.

reprehensible goal

Highlights the blameworthy nature of the aim.

corrupt scheme

Implies a broader plan involving unethical behavior.

unscrupulous plan

Focuses on the lack of moral principles guiding the action.

immoral agenda

Replaces "purpose" with "agenda", suggesting a set of planned actions driven by unethical values.

FAQs

What does "nefarious purpose" mean?

The phrase "nefarious purpose" refers to an intention or goal that is wicked, villainous, or morally wrong.

What can I say instead of "nefarious purpose"?

You can use alternatives like "malicious intent", "wicked aim", or "evil design" depending on the context.

How is "nefarious purpose" typically used in a sentence?

It's often used to describe the goals of villains or those engaged in morally reprehensible activities. For example: "The villain's nefarious purpose was to take over the world."

Is "nefarious purpose" formal or informal?

While not overly formal, "nefarious purpose" is best suited for serious contexts where you want to emphasize the wickedness of an intention. It is less appropriate for casual conversation.