vileness

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'vileness' is correct and usable in written English.
It is a noun that means the quality of being evil, wicked, or despicable. Example: The vileness of the criminal's actions shocked the entire community.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In the quiet Quangels, Fallada has created an immortal symbol of those who fight back against "the vile beyond all vileness" and so redeem us all.

The New York Times

Like all great art, it transports, in this instance to a world where, "The Third Reich kept springing surprises on its antagonists: It was vile beyond all vileness".

The New York Times

"To me, their interference showed the vileness of society, and our society is vile," Ms. Yan said in a telephone interview.

The New York Times

Nor does he minimise the vileness of Islamist terrorism that seeks to inflict indiscriminate and wanton mass murder.

The Economist

However bad things might be in Iraq, he has still been able to contrast the vileness of Saddam Hussein with the good intentions and noble mission of the coalition partners.That distinction still exists.

The Economist

We also meet Emily Hobhouse, a rector's daughter who first rose to prominence by exposing the vileness of Britain's Boer war concentration camps.

The Economist

He was tried, convicted and hanged according to the law.In this section Fragile hope On the rocks, again Pole dancers Once more to the gallows Churning the oceans ReprintsThe vileness of the assault plus anger at evidence that it was directed by Lashkar-e-Taiba, a terror group linked to Pakistani intelligence explains why most Indians favoured his death.

The Economist

Yet even in the Bosnian context, the word genocide has been challenged; prominent figures, who do not doubt the vileness of the war, raise questions about the proper legal category.They include William Schabas, a Canadian law professor who heads the International Association of Genocide Scholars.

The Economist

For all his vileness, Charlie Sheen's point-blank refusal to grovel his way to rehab has won him a lot of fans who admire his sheer bloody-mindedness – the same with the ludicrous Silvio Berlusconi's refusal to step down.

Independent

Its sheer intensity might yet generate precisely the sort of vileness and volatility that once purported to justify disenfranchisement of the terrace culture.

Independent

Not to mention the vileness of French suburbs with their Conforama trading sheds, Baltimore, et al. But wherever it occurs, ugliness is challenging, not soothing.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "vileness", provide specific examples or details to illustrate the extent of the depravity. This adds credibility and depth to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "vileness" in situations that don't warrant such a strong term. Overusing it can dilute its impact and make your writing sound hyperbolic. Instead, opt for milder synonyms like "wickedness" or "baseness" in less severe cases.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "vileness" is as a noun. It typically functions as a subject, object, or complement in a sentence, denoting the state or quality of being vile. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through numerous examples from reputable sources.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Science

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "vileness" is a noun that denotes the quality of being extremely morally repugnant. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and frequently used in news and media contexts to express strong condemnation. While "vileness" is considered a formal term, it should be used judiciously to avoid diluting its impact. Alternatives such as "wickedness" or "depravity" may be more appropriate in less severe cases. The term is effective when coupled with specific details to illustrate the depth of the depravity being described.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

wickedness

This term emphasizes the moral corruption and intentional evil of the act or character, differing slightly in its focus on intent.

depravity

Highlights the state of moral corruption and degradation, shifting the emphasis to the condition rather than the action.

baseness

Focuses on the low moral character or quality, suggesting a lack of nobility or honor, which offers a more nuanced perspective.

degeneracy

This implies a decline from a previously higher moral standard, adding a temporal dimension to the concept of "vileness".

atrocity

Refers to an extremely wicked or cruel act, changing the focus from the quality to the specific instance of evil.

abhorrence

Highlights the feeling of repugnance and disgust associated with something vile, shifting the focus to the emotional response.

repugnance

Similar to abhorrence, but emphasizes the intense aversion and strong dislike, changing the focus to the emotional response.

moral corruption

Emphasizes the deterioration of moral principles, providing a broader description of the state of "vileness".

moral degradation

Similar to moral corruption, but it stresses the process of decline, adding a temporal dimension.

odiousness

Highlights the quality of being extremely unpleasant or repulsive, changing the focus to the sensory experience of revulsion.

FAQs

How can I use "vileness" in a sentence?

You can use "vileness" to describe the extreme moral repulsiveness of an action, character, or situation. For example: "The vileness of the crime shocked the community."

What words can I use instead of "vileness"?

You can use alternatives like "wickedness", "depravity", or "baseness" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What is the difference between "vileness" and "wickedness"?

"Vileness" often suggests a more extreme level of depravity and repulsiveness, while "wickedness" generally refers to moral wrongdoing or evil behavior. The choice depends on the intensity you want to convey.

Is "vileness" formal or informal?

"Vileness" is generally considered a formal term, suitable for serious or elevated contexts. It is less appropriate for casual conversation or informal writing.