wicked act

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "wicked act" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an immoral or evil deed, often in a dramatic or literary context. Example: "The villain's wicked act left the entire town in shock and despair."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

Mr Justice Spencer said it was an "unspeakably wicked act".

The Guardian

Maybe it's that Gyges is successful in his plot: a wicked act not only goes unpunished, but is rewarded.

The New York Times

On the way we stop to inspect a solitary bunch of flowers, its Cellophane wrapping tied to a wrought-iron railing, a withering memorial to a wicked act.

The Guardian

A native of the region, he quickly sought to separate long-festering grievances there from what he called "the wicked act of desperation by criminals" on Friday.

The New York Times

President Goodluck Jonathan, who was inspecting a guard of honour at the time, called it a "wicked act of desperation by criminals and murderers".

The Guardian

Sean Mercer has committed the most brutal and wicked act in killing Rhys Jones and it's right he should be punished.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

They help address "living wounds" that linger for decades after genocides, encouraging reconciliation, for example, by naming individuals, not whole groups, as guilty of particular wicked acts.

The Economist

She ticks off a list of wicked acts she blames on her antagonist in an ancient rivalry, the prime minister, Sheikh Hasina.

The Economist

But something had happened and that was that the idealism and humanity of very young people was harnessed by social media to condemn the wicked acts of a forgotten warlord.

BBC

Love may be the most powerful magic of all, but on "Once Upon a Time," it's also the catalyst for some undeniably wicked acts.

Huffington Post

It's a "wicked and cowardly act", says the British prime minister.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "wicked act" to describe actions that are not only bad but also deliberately harmful or malevolent, often in contexts where strong moral condemnation is appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "wicked act" in informal settings or when describing minor misdeeds. Its strong connotation of evil can sound exaggerated or out of place.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "wicked act" functions as a noun phrase, where "wicked" modifies the noun "act". It's used to describe a specific instance of wrongdoing, emphasizing its immoral or evil nature. Ludwig provides several examples where it's used to condemn actions ranging from individual crimes to acts of genocide.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "wicked act" is a noun phrase used to describe an action considered highly immoral or evil. Ludwig AI indicates that it's grammatically correct and most frequently found in News & Media contexts, used to express strong condemnation. Alternatives include "perverse act" or "malicious act", each carrying slightly different nuances. While generally neutral in register, it's best reserved for situations where the described action warrants strong moral disapproval, as per Ludwig's analysis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

diabolical act

Emphasizes the evil nature of the action, suggesting malevolent intent.

perverse act

Replaces "wicked" with a term suggesting deviation from what is considered normal or acceptable.

vicious act

Highlights the cruelty and violence associated with the action.

ugly act

Substitutes "wicked" with a term emphasizing the unpleasant and distasteful nature of the action.

foul act

Emphasizes the disgust and repulsiveness of the action.

malicious act

Focuses on the intent to harm or cause suffering, differing from the broader sense of "wicked".

immoral act

Focuses specifically on the violation of moral principles.

sinister act

Conveys a sense of foreboding and potential danger, adding a layer of suspense absent from "wicked act".

perfidious act

Highlights betrayal and deceit, narrowing the scope from general wickedness.

naughty act

A milder term, suggesting misbehavior rather than deep-seated evil.

FAQs

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

You can use "wicked act" to describe a profoundly immoral or evil action. For example: "The dictator's decision was a "wicked act" that caused immense suffering."

What are some synonyms for "wicked act"?

Alternatives include "perverse act", "malicious act", or "diabolical act". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "wicked act" a formal or informal expression?

"Wicked act" is generally considered a neutral expression suitable for both formal and informal contexts, although it's often used in more descriptive or dramatic writing. However, phrases like "naughty act" are informal.

What distinguishes a "wicked act" from a simple "bad act"?

A ""wicked act"" implies a higher degree of moral corruption, malice, or evil intent than a general "bad act". It suggests a deliberate choice to cause significant harm or suffering.