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June 12, 2026

nefarious

/nɪˈfɛːrɪəs/adjective

Extremely bad or dishonest; involving evil or crime.

Example sentences

  • “The detectives uncovered a nefarious scheme to sell fake medicines.”
  • “The film's villain hatches a nefarious plot to poison the city's water.”

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

Related words