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nefarious

/nɪˈfɛːrɪəs/adjective

Extremely bad or dishonest; involving evil or crime.

Example sentence

  • The detectives uncovered a nefarious scheme to sell fake medicines.

Slightly literary, and often half-joking in modern use: 'for nefarious purposes' is a common ironic phrase.

Featured as word of the day on June 12, 2026.

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