evil
EE-vuhl
Evil (adjective) means Deeply immoral and cruel; deliberately intending to cause harm. Example: “In the fairy tale, an evil witch tricks the children into entering her house.”
adjective
1
Deeply immoral and cruel; deliberately intending to cause harm.
"In the fairy tale, an evil witch tricks the children into entering her house."
"The story's villain is a genuinely evil character with no redeeming qualities."
"It was an evil act, committed with no remorse."
2
Unpleasant or unlucky, in a milder, informal sense.
"The weather this week has been evil, with rain every single day."
"What an evil smell is coming from that old fridge!"
"That coffee has an evil aftertaste."
noun
1
Moral wickedness, or the force believed to cause suffering and wrongdoing in the world.
"Many old stories describe a hero fighting against evil in a dark forest."
"The film explores the nature of good and evil."
"People argued over whether the policy was a necessary evil."
How to use evil
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishDeeply bad or wicked — either describing a person/act (adjective) or wrongdoing itself (noun).
Common pairings
evil intentions
necessary evil
good versus evil
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like evil.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Plural
- evils
- Comparative
- eviller, eviler, more evil
- Superlative
- evillest, evilest, most evil
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
In the fairy tale, an _____ witch tricks the children into entering her house.
Etymology
From Old English yfel, of Germanic origin; related to Dutch euvel and German übel, all meaning "bad" or "evil."
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for evil
See all rhymes for evil →Frequently asked questions
What does “evil” mean?
The word “evil” means deeply immoral and cruel; deliberately intending to cause harm. In plain terms, deeply bad or wicked — either describing a person/act (adjective) or wrongdoing itself (noun).
How do you pronounce “evil”?
“Evil” is pronounced EE-vuhl (/ˈiːvəl/ in IPA).
How do you use “evil” in a sentence?
Here is “evil” used in a sentence: “The story's villain is a genuinely evil character with no redeeming qualities.”
What is another word for “evil”?
Words with a similar meaning to “evil” include nefarious, malicious, malevolent, wicked, abandoned and arrant.
What is the opposite of “evil”?
The opposite of “evil” — its antonyms — are good, angelic, benign, good-minded and just.
What part of speech is “evil”?
Depending on how it is used, “evil” can be an adjective and a noun.
Where does the word “evil” come from?
The word “evil” comes from Old English. From Old English yfel, of Germanic origin; related to Dutch euvel and German übel, all meaning "bad" or "evil.".
Is “evil” a common word?
“Evil” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
What is the difference between evil and bad?
Bad is a broad, everyday word for anything unpleasant, poor in quality, or mildly wrong. Evil is far stronger, reserved for deep, deliberate cruelty and a genuine intent to cause harm. A bad decision is simply unwise, whereas an evil act is morally monstrous and knowingly hurtful. Evil implies conscious malice.
What is the difference between evil and wicked?
Both describe serious wrongdoing, and they overlap heavily. Evil suggests the deepest possible immorality and a will to cause harm. Wicked is slightly lighter and can even be playful, as in 'a wicked grin.' Evil is rarely used lightly, while wicked sometimes carries mischief rather than true malice.
What is the opposite of evil?
The clearest opposite of evil is good — moral, kind, and acting to help rather than harm. Other antonyms include virtuous, benevolent, and righteous, all describing character or actions guided by decency. Where evil intends cruelty, good intends care, making the two a fundamental moral contrast.
Is evil a strong word?
Yes — evil is one of the strongest moral condemnations in English. It goes well beyond 'wrong' or 'bad,' implying deliberate, deep-seated cruelty. Because it carries such weight, careful writers reserve it for the gravest wrongdoing rather than everyday faults, so that the word keeps its full force.
Featured in
Vocabulary lists that include evil:
