pernicious character

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "pernicious character" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone whose behavior or traits are harmful or destructive, often in a subtle or insidious way. Example: "The protagonist struggled to overcome the pernicious character that had infiltrated their life, leading them down a path of self-destruction."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

She was such a pernicious character.

Independent

Although he was never a National Socialist he was politically naive, and his sympathy with some of the party's aims seems to have blinded him to its increasingly pernicious character.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Simple carbohydrates appear to play a much more pernicious role.

The New York Times - Health

First, state-level politics can play a pernicious role.

The Economist

Margaret Roberts was just about alone in condemning the welfare state as "pernicious," destructive of the national character.

The New York Times

(In 1975, he firebombed John F. Kennedy's birthplace in Brookline, Mass., to protest Sen. Edward M. Kennedy's support for enforced school busing, spray-painting the sidewalk in front of the house with the slogan "Bus Teddy").. It's a terrific book — comprehensive, deeply reported, invested with an understanding of place and character, and the subtle, at times pernicious, ways they interact.

Los Angeles Times

Masked balls were banned in taverns and boarding houses because the council determined they were "of immoral and pernicious tendency, subversive of all just and honourable discrimination of character, and calculated to encourage the profligate, seduce the youth of both sexes and promote licentiousness & disorder".

The New York Times

No bad deed goes heralded, and at its most pernicious, the show is realistic in the way it presents the consequences of characters' choices.

Huffington Post

Or it may reflect more pernicious biases: Mr. Deal said one executive asked "if we could find some white characters".

The New York Times

The book's minor characters are often doctrinaire in their diagnoses: 'Little white lies are as pernicious as big black lies.

The Guardian - Books

Díaz may not like talking about kids, but both he and Russell extolled the virtues of children as characters and narrators more capable of addressing some of the world's most pernicious topics — racism, sexism, violence — than jaded, calculating adults.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a character as having a "pernicious character", provide specific examples of their actions or traits to illustrate the harmful nature. This adds depth and credibility to your description.

Common error

Avoid using "pernicious character" as a general term for any negative trait. Reserve it for situations where the harmfulness is subtle, insidious, or deeply ingrained. Using it too broadly dilutes its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "pernicious character" functions as a descriptive phrase, modifying a subject (person, ideology, etc.) by attributing to it a harmful, damaging, or destructive quality. As confirmed by Ludwig, this usage is grammatically sound and suitable for describing subjects with harmful traits or influences.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "pernicious character" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase, though relatively rare in occurrence. Ludwig confirms that the expression is suitable for describing someone or something whose actions or traits are subtly harmful or destructive. Predominantly found in News & Media sources, its purpose is to emphasize the negativity of a subject. When using this phrase, ensure that you provide context by giving specific examples of actions/traits. Related phrases include "harmful nature", "detrimental attribute", or "destructive influence". The expert rating for this phrase is high, reflecting its grammatical correctness and consistent usage in authoritative sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

harmful nature

This alternative focuses on the damaging qualities of something, shifting from a character to a more general nature.

detrimental attribute

This phrase uses more formal vocabulary to describe a harmful characteristic.

destructive influence

This alternative emphasizes the negative impact a person or thing has.

malignant disposition

This phrase suggests an inherent tendency towards evil or harm.

noxious quality

This alternative describes a harmful or poisonous trait.

corrosive effect

This phrase highlights the gradual and damaging impact of something.

insidious aspect

This alternative emphasizes the subtle and deceptive nature of harm.

deleterious essence

A more formal alternative focusing on the damaging intrinsic qualities.

unwholesome persona

This phrase suggests a character that is morally or spiritually unhealthy.

adverse impact

This alternative focuses on the negative consequences or effects caused by something.

FAQs

What does it mean to describe someone as having a "pernicious character"?

Describing someone as having a "pernicious character" means they possess traits or engage in behaviors that are subtly harmful or destructive. It suggests a deeply ingrained negativity that can be difficult to overcome.

What are some synonyms for "pernicious character"?

Alternatives to "pernicious character" include "harmful nature", "detrimental attribute", or "destructive influence", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

How do I use "pernicious character" in a sentence?

You can say, "The protagonist struggled to overcome the "pernicious character" that had infiltrated their life." or "The leader's "pernicious character" led to the downfall of the organization."

Is it appropriate to use "pernicious character" in formal writing?

Yes, "pernicious character" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when analyzing literature, discussing historical figures, or addressing complex social issues. However, be mindful of the context and ensure the term accurately reflects the subject's harmful nature.