wicked designs

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "wicked designs" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe malicious or evil plans or schemes, often in a literary or dramatic context. Example: "The villain in the story was known for his wicked designs, plotting to take over the kingdom."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Like Britain's Oliver Cromwell, who saw the post as "the best means to discover and prevent many dangerous and wicked designs against the Commonwealth," they justified letter-opening.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Defining and structuring wicked design problems has a major influence on subsequent problem solving, and demands a considerable level of skill.

Design Studies

Key features of his design process include: (1) multidiscipline integration to provide holistic design strategies, (2) ability to tackle wicked design problems residing in a wide range of scales, and (3) targeting landscape performance in a quantitative manner.

Landscape and Urban Planning

But he soon caught on: "In the German view, which Herr Hitler shares, a peaceful Germany and Austria were fallen upon in 1914 by a gang of wicked designing nations, headed by Belgium and Serbia, and would have defended herself successfully if only she had not been stabbed in the back by the Jews.

The New Yorker

In court, the defence tried to use Alesha's exaggerations and the robbery to discredit her testimony: her accusation was a "wicked" concoction designed to get her out of trouble.

The Guardian - Opinion

Like its predecessor Super Meat Boy, a mix of wicked level design and environmental puzzles make Celeste dizzying for any but the most adept gamers.

Vice

Utilizing a mix of practical, handmade sets, 2D-drawn characters, and 3D-compositing with a wicked sound design, Irwin creates a literally upside-down universe where God's a jerk, but rabbits, both fake and real, fuck everything they touch.

Vice

This course applies the innovation principles of design thinking to the "wicked problem" of designing your life and vocation in and beyond Stanford.

Stanford University

Debates in design disciplines were focusing on design science, design methodology, wicked problems, Ulm methodology, new German design, and semiotic and scenario technique.

Wikipedia

Wicked problems and design considerations in composing for laptop orchestra.

Princeton University

[http://www.eecs.umich.edu/nime2012/Proceedings/papers/259_Final_Manuscript.pdf Wicked problems and design considerations in composing for laptop orchestra].

Princeton University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "wicked designs" to add a touch of dramatic flair when describing malevolent or cunning plans, particularly in fictional or historical contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "wicked designs" in contemporary, informal writing. Its somewhat antiquated tone may sound out of place.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "wicked designs" functions as a noun phrase, where 'wicked' acts as a descriptive adjective modifying 'designs.' It typically describes plans or schemes that are morally wrong, evil, or intended to cause harm. Ludwig examples show it can depict historical political schemes.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Academia

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "wicked designs" describes plans or schemes characterized by malicious intent and moral reprehensibility. As affirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct. Although relatively rare in contemporary usage, "wicked designs" effectively conveys evil intent, and is often encountered in historical or literary contexts. Alternative phrases such as "evil schemes" or "malevolent plans" can be used, depending on the desired nuance. When writing, be mindful of the somewhat antiquated tone of "wicked designs", and use it judiciously to avoid sounding out of place.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

evil schemes

Emphasizes the inherently immoral nature of the plans.

malevolent plans

Highlights the ill will and desire to cause harm behind the planning.

nefarious plots

Implies secrecy and underhandedness in the planning process.

sinister schemes

Focuses on the ominous and threatening nature of the plans.

scheming machinations

Highlights the complex and manipulative nature of the planning.

devious plans

Suggests cunning and trickery in the formulation of the plans.

malicious intentions

Shifts focus from the plans themselves to the underlying intent to cause harm.

villainous schemes

Clearly attributes the plans to a villainous character or entity.

crafty designs

Emphasizes the cleverness and skill involved in the planning.

immoral intentions

Directly states the intentions behind the plans are against moral standards.

FAQs

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

You can use "wicked designs" to describe malevolent plans or schemes, often in a literary or dramatic context. For example: "The villain was known for his "wicked designs", plotting to take over the kingdom."

What can I say instead of "wicked designs"?

You can use alternatives like "evil schemes", "malevolent plans", or "nefarious plots" depending on the context.

Is "wicked designs" formal or informal?

"Wicked designs" leans towards a more formal and slightly antiquated tone. It's suitable for literary or historical contexts but might sound out of place in everyday conversation.

What's the difference between "wicked designs" and "evil plans"?

While both phrases describe malevolent schemes, "wicked designs" carries a slightly more dramatic and stylized connotation compared to the more straightforward "evil plans".