pernicious

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "pernicious" is correct and usable in written English.
It is an adjective that means something is very harmful or destructive. For example, "The pernicious effects of smoking can be deadly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

At the beginning of the war vodka, the national spirit of Russia, was prohibited in Russia, and absinthe, the pernicious decoction of wormwood so popular in France, and similar liquors, temporarily, in France.

The Guardian

There is also an element of Carlyle’s having been in the right place at the right time – just when the pernicious old dichotomy between gritty proletarian realism and English middle-class manners was being replaced, for a whole range of reasons, with a much more productive inclusiveness.

The Guardian - Film

According to social-identity theory, this means that there is a multi-forked bias against us, which takes the form of that pernicious trident of hate - discrimination, stereotyping and prejudice.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Tom Burke, a former head of Friends of the Earth who worked as special adviser to several Conservative ministers, said: "The secondments are pernicious, but the real power is how they shape the discourse through the media – that is where their many lobbyists do their real work.

The Guardian - Money

Jowell told the Guardian: "Too often when we look at inequality we focus exclusively on the vital issue of asset wealth, but actually just as pernicious is the inequality of capacity and capability – the unequal chances of realising potential.

The Guardian

But "the most pernicious aspect of private medical work … is the indirect effect it has on a consultant's NHS practice.

The Guardian

But where the most pernicious problem with zero-hours contracts lies is in their use as a management tool.

The Guardian

But while the "P-word" is ubiquitous in political analysis, most observers would be hard pressed to define where exactly legitimate democratic politics stops and pernicious populism begins.

The Guardian - Opinion

Other more pernicious saviours are those US religious conservatives who have actively promoted homophobic ideologies across the world and are now pushing such legislation in the US.

The Guardian

The last decade has witnessed a surprising number of cities brought to the brink by the pernicious forces of water, wind, earth and fire, or in some cases, combinations of these.

The Guardian

But the most pernicious peddlers of apps are not the small guys but the publishing conglomerates whose apps are essentially crippled, disconnected mini-websites designed to make sure that users are corralled in ways that suit their publishers.

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "pernicious" when you want to emphasize the subtle and gradual harmfulness of something, rather than its immediate and obvious impact. For instance, "the pernicious influence of social media".

Common error

Avoid using "pernicious" to describe overtly harmful events. The word carries a connotation of gradual and subtle harm, not immediate devastation.

Linguistic Context

The adjective "pernicious" functions to qualify a noun by ascribing to it the property of causing harm, often in a subtle or gradual way. Ludwig provides numerous examples where "pernicious" is used to describe influences, effects, or aspects that are detrimental.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Formal & Business

26%

Science

26%

Less common in

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the adjective "pernicious" is used to describe something that causes harm gradually or subtly, highlighting its potential for long-term or hidden damage. As Ludwig AI confirms, the word is grammatically correct and widely used. While it appears most frequently in News & Media sources, it is also common in Formal & Business and Scientific contexts. To best utilize "pernicious", remember to emphasize the subtle and gradual nature of the harm, avoiding its use for describing overtly harmful events.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

harmful

A general term for causing harm or damage.

damaging

Indicates causing damage or impairment to something.

detrimental

Focuses on the damaging or harmful effects something has.

destructive

Highlights the potential to cause significant damage or destruction.

injurious

Suggests causing physical or other harm or damage.

adverse

Refers to unfavorable or negative effects.

deleterious

Emphasizes the harmful effects on health or well-being.

noxious

Points to being harmful, poisonous, or very unpleasant.

baneful

Implies causing grief, destruction, or annoyance.

malignant

Suggests a threat to life or well-being, often associated with disease.

FAQs

How to use "pernicious" in a sentence?

You can use "pernicious" to describe something that causes harm gradually or subtly, like "The "pernicious effects of propaganda"" or "the "pernicious influence of greed"".

What can I say instead of "pernicious"?

You can use alternatives like "harmful", "damaging", or "detrimental" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "pernicious effect" or "detrimental effect"?

Both "pernicious effect" and "detrimental effect" are correct, but "pernicious" suggests a more subtle and gradual form of harm than "detrimental".

What's the difference between "pernicious" and "destructive"?

"Pernicious" implies a gradual and subtle form of harm, while "destructive" suggests causing significant damage or destruction more overtly. Something "destructive is overtly damaging", while something "pernicious is subtly harmful".