utterly wicked

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "utterly wicked" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something or someone as completely evil or morally wrong. Example: "The villain in the story was portrayed as utterly wicked, with no redeeming qualities whatsoever."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Most text messages are passionate or funny, and some, of course, are utterly treacherous or wicked.

The Guardian

In one vicious war of words a few years ago - sparked during a debate on Radio 3, of all places - the British psychologist Oliver James called Pinker's views "wicked" and "utterly immoral", "misleading" and "dangerous".

The Guardian - Books

He's angry that the Austen craze has defanged a novelist who's "wicked, arch, and utterly merciless.

Huffington Post

Niki Lauda has always been a singular personality, a brusque and matter-of-fact Austrian with a wicked sense of humour and utterly independent mind.

BBC

Although some dishes are overwrought, with an ingredient or two too many, and a few utterly miss their mark, more are executed with finesse and with a wicked sense of indulgence.

The New York Times - Food

Andrea's wicked, dry humour, unwavering integrity and shy vulnerability combined to make her utterly compelling.

The Guardian - Opinion

The books are written with an utterly idiosyncratic combination of emotional precision, crystalline observation and black humor, as if one of Evelyn Waugh's wicked satires about British aristos had been mashed up with a searing memoir of abuse and addiction, and injected with Proustian meditations on the workings of memory and time.

The New York Times - Books

"The books are written with an utterly idiosyncratic combination of emotional precision, crystalline observation and black humor, as if one of Evelyn Waugh's wicked satires about British aristos had been mashed up with a searing memoir of abuse and addiction, and injected with Proustian meditations on the workings of memory and time," Michiko Kakutani said in The New York Times.

The New York Times - Books

Tradition relates that the wicked child asks on Passover, "What does all this mean to you?," distancing himself from what should be utterly personal.

The New York Times - Arts

(There are wicked stories of notices on my door saying "Only come in if you have broken something", which I utterly deny). Under the circumstances, I never ever suffered from writer's block.

The Guardian - Books

BRANTLEY -- "Wicked".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "utterly wicked" to describe actions, characters, or situations that are exceptionally evil or morally reprehensible. It adds a strong, almost theatrical, condemnation.

Common error

Avoid using "utterly wicked" in everyday conversation to describe minor annoyances or disagreements. Its strong connotations are best reserved for truly egregious situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "utterly wicked" functions as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun to intensify the degree of wickedness. It is used to emphasize the extreme nature of something evil or morally reprehensible. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase denotes a high degree of immorality.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

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Formal & Business

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Less common in

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "utterly wicked" is used to describe something completely evil or morally wrong. It is grammatically correct, but its frequency is hard to establish due to a lack of examples. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English, which is supported by various example sentences. When using "utterly wicked", reserve it for situations that warrant strong condemnation and avoid overuse in casual contexts. Alternative phrases include "completely evil" and "totally malevolent". This phrase can be used to describe both people and things. The register of "utterly wicked" tends to be neutral, which is adequate to news sources and formal contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

completely evil

Emphasizes the total absence of goodness or morality.

totally malevolent

Highlights the intent to cause harm or suffering.

absolutely atrocious

Focuses on the shockingly bad or unpleasant nature of something.

thoroughly depraved

Stresses the corruption and moral decay involved.

wicked to the core

Highlights that the wickedness is a fundamental aspect of the person or thing being described.

unfathomably evil

Emphasizes the difficulty in understanding or believing the extent of the evil.

consummately wicked

Highlights the high degree or skill in wickedness.

purely diabolical

Relates the wickedness to a supernatural, devilish source.

downright villainous

Highlights the behavior as being characteristic of a villain.

execrably immoral

Emphasizes the extreme level of immorality and the deserving of being cursed.

FAQs

How can I use "utterly wicked" in a sentence?

Use "utterly wicked" to describe something completely evil or morally wrong. For instance, "The villain's plan was "utterly wicked", with no regard for human life."

What are some alternatives to saying "utterly wicked"?

You can use alternatives like "completely evil", "totally malevolent", or "absolutely atrocious" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "utterly wicked" a formal or informal expression?

"Utterly wicked" leans toward a more dramatic or literary style, so it's best suited for writing or situations where heightened language is appropriate rather than casual conversation.

Can "utterly wicked" be used to describe both people and things?

Yes, "utterly wicked" can describe both people (e.g., "an "utterly wicked" tyrant") and things (e.g., "an "utterly wicked" scheme").