wicked practice

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "wicked practice" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a morally wrong or unethical action or behavior, often in a critical context. Example: "The company's decision to exploit its workers was deemed a wicked practice by many activists."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

In it, she says that, as a mother of 12, she's disgusted by Target's "wicked practice" of allowing customers and employees to use the bathroom that aligns with his or her gender identity.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

And what wicked practices do you predict our grandchildren will decry?

The Economist

According to the Annals of the Roman historian Tacitus and to the Nero of the Roman biographer Suetonius, Nero in response tried to shift responsibility for the fire on the Christians, who were popularly thought to engage in many wicked practices.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Every wickedness practitioner is a light-hater and a light-stay provoker, so that the light might not expose their evil deeds and wicked practices.

Huffington Post

If you confess and turn from the wicked practices you commit, you will receive forgiveness from God, be adopted into his family and be saved from destruction.

Huffington Post

Wicked Wicked (Young Vibez).

Vice

Practice has wicked stuff in it, like Dilated Peoples, Del, Scribble Jam, Mr. Dibbs, and other neat rap-related stuff (practicevideomag.com).

Vice

The notion of programs that resembled British practice were wicked along with the power of balance being shifted away from the Representatives to the executive branch were some of the prejudices that resided within the House.

Wikipedia

"The people who own the Federal Reserve own the oil companies, they own the mass media, they own the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank, they're part of the Bilderbergers, and unfortunately their spiritual practices are very wicked and diabolical as well," Carey said.

The New York Times - Magazine

The film somewhat focuses on the comparatively ethical business practices of the "wicked gangster" and the womanizing and failed marriage of the "do-gooder" police detective.

Wikipedia

The conceptual model, and its interpretation through the social identity approach, raises a number of implications for the current theory, practice and institutions involved in the wicked socio-political landscape of ENRM.

Global Environmental Change

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "wicked practice" when you want to convey a sense of moral outrage or disgust at a particular behavior or action that has become somewhat normalized or systematic.

Common error

Avoid using "wicked practice" in informal settings where the severity of the phrase might be disproportionate to the situation. The phrase carries a strong negative connotation, so reserve it for situations where genuine moral condemnation is appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "wicked practice" functions as a noun phrase where "wicked" modifies the noun "practice". It typically serves to characterize a specific action or behavior as morally reprehensible or unethical. Ludwig AI confirms that this expression is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Encyclopedias

33%

Science

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "wicked practice" is a phrase used to denote morally reprehensible or unethical behavior. While grammatically sound, Ludwig AI analysis indicates it's relatively rare. Its usage spans across news, encyclopedias, and science, indicating a formal or semi-formal register suitable for expressing disapproval. To avoid overuse, consider alternatives like "unethical behavior" or "immoral conduct" based on the context. Remember to reserve this strong expression for situations genuinely warranting moral condemnation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unethical behavior

Focuses more directly on the ethical dimension, omitting the nuance of "practice".

immoral conduct

Emphasizes the moral aspect of the action, offering a more formal tone.

corrupt dealings

Highlights dishonesty and illicit activities, narrowing the scope to transactional misconduct.

evil scheme

Suggests a planned and malevolent action, adding an element of intentional harm.

deplorable act

Emphasizes the reprehensible nature of the deed, focusing on its capacity to cause outrage.

nefarious activity

Adds a layer of secrecy and illegality, suggesting covert and malevolent actions.

atrocious deed

Highlights the cruelty and shocking nature of the action, emphasizing its severity.

reprehensible behavior

Focuses on the blameworthy nature of the behavior, highlighting its deserving of criticism.

scandalous actions

Emphasizes the public outrage and disgrace caused by the actions, highlighting the social consequences.

abominable practice

Emphasizes the repulsiveness and moral loathing associated with the practice, focusing on its disgusting nature.

FAQs

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

You can use "wicked practice" to describe a morally wrong or unethical action or behavior. For example: "The company's decision to exploit its workers was deemed a "wicked practice" by many activists."

What are some alternatives to "wicked practice"?

You can use alternatives like "unethical behavior", "immoral conduct", or "corrupt dealings" depending on the context.

What makes a practice "wicked"?

A "wicked" practice typically involves actions that are morally reprehensible, often exploiting or harming others in a significant way. It suggests a deliberate disregard for ethical principles.

Is "wicked practice" a formal or informal term?

"Wicked practice" carries a fairly strong connotation and is best suited for formal or semi-formal contexts where you want to express disapproval or condemnation. It might be too strong for casual conversation.