the wickedness

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the wickedness" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the quality or state of being wicked, often in a moral or ethical context. Example: "The wickedness of his actions shocked everyone in the community."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

The wickedness of everyone?

The New Yorker

"The wickedness is not just in them.

Independent

What could he have done to stop the wickedness?

The New York Times

God sees that "the wickedness of man was great in the earth".

The New Yorker

On the wickedness of Greenspan and the greatness of Keynes he sounds like Paul Krugman's doppelgänger.

The New York Times - Books

But MacKenzie seems fretted and dismayed by the wickedness of the world rather than disapproving.

Independent

Blair was "a true believer about the wickedness of Saddam Hussein".

The Guardian

As Wilde said elsewhere, "To the wickedness of the papacy humanity owes much.

The Guardian - Opinion

We're eager, as she is, to get back to the wickedness at the magazine.

The New Yorker

Veronica, the proud virgin spinster, was always glad to have evidence of the wickedness of men.

The Guardian - Books

The wickedness of Wandsworth council now charging £2.50 per child to play there defies belief.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the wickedness" when you want to emphasize a specific instance or manifestation of evil or immorality. It adds a layer of specificity compared to using "wickedness" in a general sense.

Common error

Avoid using "the wickedness" excessively in overly formal or academic writing, as it can sometimes sound melodramatic. Opt for more neutral terms like "immorality" or "unethical behavior" if appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the wickedness" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. As Ludwig AI explains, it refers to the state of being wicked or a specific instance of evil. The examples from Ludwig demonstrate its use in describing immoral actions and societal issues.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Encyclopedias

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the wickedness" is a noun phrase used to denote the state of being wicked or a specific instance of evil. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and usability across various contexts. While it is frequently found in news and media, its presence in encyclopedias and academic sources suggests a more formal register. When writing, use "the wickedness" to specifically highlight instances of immoral behavior, but avoid overuse in overly formal contexts to prevent sounding melodramatic.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

evil

A broader term referring to profound immorality and wickedness.

immorality

A more general term for not conforming to accepted standards of morality.

depravity

Suggests a state of extreme moral decay and perversion.

evil deeds

Focuses on the actions themselves rather than the abstract concept of wickedness.

iniquity

Focuses on the unjust or unfair nature of wickedness.

moral corruption

Highlights the decay of moral principles.

unrighteousness

Emphasizes a lack of moral rectitude or justice.

sinfulness

Relates to religious or moral transgression.

atrocity

Highlights the extreme cruelty or violence of an act.

malignancy

Emphasizes the harmful or destructive nature of wickedness.

FAQs

How can I use "the wickedness" in a sentence?

You can use "the wickedness" to refer to specific instances of evil or immoral behavior. For example, "The trial exposed "the wickedness" of the corporation's actions".

What's the difference between "wickedness" and "the wickedness"?

"Wickedness" refers to the general state or quality of being wicked, while ""the wickedness"" usually refers to a specific instance or manifestation of it.

What can I say instead of "the wickedness"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "the evil", "the immorality", or "the depravity".

Is "the wickedness" always used in a negative context?

Yes, ""the wickedness"" inherently carries a negative connotation, referring to actions or qualities considered morally wrong or evil.