vicious

USAGE SUMMARY

"vicious" is a correct and usable word in written English.
You can use it to denote intense hostility or cruelty. For example, "The vicious mob attacked innocent passersby without provocation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In the cycling sense, "nervous" refers to a vicious spiral in which the entire peloton is aware that the safest place to be is in the front 20 or so – this is a basic racing principle taught at junior level – with the upshot that every team leader with a purpose wants to be in the first 20 riders with as many of their team-mates as can manage it.

The Guardian - Sport

Many of our citizens have been threatened and driven from their overseas homes by vicious mobs shouting "Death to America".

The New York Times

But the opening of a school in rural Laikipia in the central highlands will hopefully break that vicious cycle for 300 children, their teachers and the wider community.

The Guardian

Before he took hostages, Monis sent vicious letters to the grieving families of Australian soldiers killed in Afghanistan.

The Guardian

She is an energetic anti-poverty campaigner, infuriated by the media's vicious attacks on "benefit scroungers" and the inability of politicians and policymakers to comprehend the slender margins of breadline life.

The Guardian

What I do helps him be less emotional and more vicious".

The Guardian - Sport

And this support, be it noted, is gained on the basis of vicious sectarianism.

The Guardian - Opinion

Citing foreign media reports of Ma's detention, the Chinese editorial said: "In recent years we have frequently witnessed vicious incidents where top Chinese diplomats, military officers and senior research fellows of thinktanks have been involved in espionage and selling intelligence.

The Guardian

All took their turn swimming against a vicious riptide and either washed ashore on Reality Island or drifted further out to sea.

The Guardian - Sport

Obama: Well none of these decisions are easy, but those who are familiar with the Lord's Resistance Army and their leader, Mr. Kony, know that these are some of the most vicious killers.

The Guardian

Instead of a battle of ideas, the EU has been marred by a vicious circle between anti-EU populism and technocratic agreements between member states that are afraid of their citizens.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "vicious", ensure the context clearly supports the strong negative connotation. It's best suited for situations involving deliberate cruelty or harm.

Common error

Avoid using "vicious" to describe situations that are merely unpleasant or difficult. Reserve it for truly severe or malicious circumstances to maintain its impact.

Linguistic Context

The word "vicious" functions primarily as an adjective, modifying nouns to describe a quality of extreme cruelty, violence, or severity. Ludwig provides numerous examples where "vicious" is used to characterize attacks, individuals, or situations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "vicious" is a powerful adjective used to describe something extremely cruel, violent, or severe. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and applicability. It's most frequently found in news and media contexts and used to emphasize the highly negative qualities of the subject being described. When writing, it is important to use "vicious" judiciously, reserving it for situations that genuinely warrant such a strong descriptor. Alternatives like "brutal", "cruel", and "savage" can be used to convey similar meanings with slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

brutal

Refers to extreme violence or cruelty, similar to "vicious" but often emphasizes physical harm.

cruel

Highlights the intent to cause pain or suffering, a core aspect of "vicious".

savage

Implies a lack of restraint and a wild, untamed nature, akin to the unrestrained aspect of "vicious".

ferocious

Emphasizes the intensity and aggression, often used to describe animals or attacks.

ruthless

Indicates a lack of pity or compassion, often applied to actions or decisions.

malicious

Highlights the intent to do evil or harm, a key component of "vicious" behavior.

barbaric

Suggests extreme cruelty and a lack of civilization or refinement.

inhumane

Denotes a lack of compassion or empathy, often used to describe treatment or conditions.

atrocious

Refers to something shockingly bad or terrible, often related to moral or ethical failings.

depraved

Implies moral corruption and wickedness, suggesting a deep-seated evil.

FAQs

How to use "vicious" in a sentence?

"Vicious" is typically used to describe actions, behaviors, or individuals characterized by extreme cruelty or violence. For example, "The "vicious attack" left the victim with severe injuries."

What can I say instead of "vicious"?

You can use alternatives like "brutal", "cruel", or "savage" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct, "vicious cycle" or "vicious circle"?

Both "vicious cycle" and "vicious circle" are correct and commonly used to describe a situation where one problem causes another, which in turn exacerbates the first problem.

What's the difference between "vicious" and "malicious"?

"Vicious" describes something characterized by extreme cruelty or violence, while "malicious" implies an intent to do evil or harm. "Malicious" focuses on the intent, whereas "vicious" emphasizes the severity of the action or behavior.