villainous

adjective

vil·​lain·​ous ˈvi-lə-nəs 

1

a

: befitting a villain (as in evil or depraved character)

a villainous attack

b

: being or having the character of a villain : depraved

the villainous foe

2

: highly objectionable : wretched

villainously adverb

villainousness noun

Synonyms

• bad
• dark
• evil
• immoral
• iniquitous
• nefarious
• rotten
• sinful
• unethical
• unlawful
• unrighteous
• unsavory
• vicious
• vile
• wicked
• wrong

Choose the Right Synonym for villainous

vicious, villainous, iniquitous, nefarious, corrupt, degenerate mean highly reprehensible or offensive in character, nature, or conduct.

vicious may directly oppose virtuous in implying moral depravity, or may connote malignancy, cruelty, or destructive violence.

a vicious gangster

villainous applies to any evil, depraved, or vile conduct or characteristic.

a villainous assault

iniquitous implies absence of all signs of justice or fairness.

an iniquitous system of taxation

nefarious suggests flagrant breaching of time-honored laws and traditions of conduct.

the nefarious rackets of organized crime

corrupt stresses a loss of moral integrity or probity causing betrayal of principle or sworn obligations.

city hall was rife with corrupt politicians

degenerate suggests having sunk to an especially vicious or enervated condition.

a degenerate regime propped up by foreign powers

Examples of villainous in a Sentence

villainous behavior that made him one of the most notorious figures in history and gave rise to the legend of Dracula

Recent Examples on the Web

These junior versions of some of of Marvel's superheroes feature Spidey, Ghost-Spider, and Miles Morales as they team-up to stop villainous plots in the city. —Devonne Goode, Parents, 19 June 2025

And yes, the villainous Shooter McGavin (Christopher McDonald) also returns, reviving his rivalry with with Happy in what appears to be a graveyard. —Allison Degrushe Published, EW.com, 19 June 2025

The family becomes trapped in an alternate dimension inhabited by dinosaurs and a variety of bizarre creatures, including the lizard-like villainous Sleestaks. —Joe Otterson, Variety, 17 June 2025

Fueled by a network of donors, Leo’s groups have directed massive sums to conservative legal, political and public relations organizations, gaining him a villainous reputation among Democrats. —Zach Schonfeld, The Hill, 4 June 2025

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

villainous

adjective

vil·​lain·​ous ˈvil-ə-nəs 

1

: typical of a villain

villainous attacks

also : wicked

a villainous enemy

2

: very objectionable

villainous living conditions

villainously adverb