adjective Uncommon

malignant

muh-LIHG-nuhnt

Malignant (adjective) means Harmful or hostile in intent; wishing ill on others. Example: “He spread malignant rumours about his former business partner.”

adjective

Harmful or hostile in intent; wishing ill on others.

"He spread malignant rumours about his former business partner."

"There was a malignant look in her eyes as she watched him fail."

Medically: likely to spread and become life-threatening, as with a tumour.

"The biopsy confirmed the growth was malignant."

"Doctors caught the malignant cells before they could spread further."

How to use malignant

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishDangerously harmful — either a person acting with real ill will, or a disease (especially cancer) that is aggressive and spreading.

Common mistake

Don't confuse with "benign," which is its opposite in the medical sense (harmless, not spreading).

Easily confused with

benign → malignancy

Common pairings

malignant tumour malignant cells malignant intent

Word forms

more malignant comparative, malignants plural, most malignant superlative

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He spread _____ rumours about his former business partner.

Etymology

From Middle French malignant, ultimately from Late Latin malignans — related to "malign."

Origin: Late Latin

Rhymes for malignant

poignant indignant

See all rhymes for malignant →

Frequently asked questions

What does “malignant” mean?

The word “malignant” means harmful or hostile in intent; wishing ill on others. In plain terms, dangerously harmful — either a person acting with real ill will, or a disease (especially cancer) that is aggressive and spreading.

How do you pronounce “malignant”?

“Malignant” is pronounced muh-LIHG-nuhnt (/məˈlɪɡnənt/ in IPA).

How do you use “malignant” in a sentence?

Here is “malignant” used in a sentence: “He spread malignant rumours about his former business partner.”

What part of speech is “malignant”?

“Malignant” is an adjective.

Where does the word “malignant” come from?

The word “malignant” comes from Late Latin. From Middle French malignant, ultimately from Late Latin malignans — related to "malign.".

Is “malignant” a common word?

“Malignant” is an uncommon word in modern English.

How many meanings does “malignant” have?

“Malignant” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: harmful or hostile in intent; wishing ill on others.