evil

1 of 3

adjective

ˈē-vəl 

British often and US sometimes ˈē-(ˌ)vil

eviler or eviller; evilest or evillest

1

a

: morally reprehensible : sinful, wicked

an evil impulse

an evil tyrant

evil deeds

the evil institution of slavery

b

: arising from actual or imputed bad character or conduct

a person of evil reputation

2

a

archaic : inferior

b

: causing discomfort or repulsion : offensive

an evil odor

c

: disagreeable

woke late and in an evil temper

3

a

: causing harm : pernicious

drank an evil potion

b

: marked by misfortune : unlucky

fallen on evil times

evilly

ˈē-və(l)-lē 

British often and US sometimes ˈē-(ˌ)vi(l)-

adverb

evilness

ˈē-vəl-nəs 

British often and US sometimes ˈē-(ˌ)vil-

noun

evil

2 of 3

noun

1

a

: the fact of suffering, misfortune, and wrongdoing

the evil that befell them

believed the world was full of evil

b

: a cosmic evil force

2

: something that brings sorrow, distress, or calamity

—often used in the plural

the evils of alcohol

forced to choose between the lesser of two evils[=between two things that are both bad]

considers paying taxes a necessary evil[=something unwanted that is needed for a good result]

evil

3 of 3

adverb

archaic

: in an evil manner

Synonyms of evil

Adjective

• harmful
• dangerous
• detrimental
• damaging
• adverse
• bad

Noun

• bad
• wrong
• evilness
• badness
• sin

Examples of evil in a Sentence

Adjective

She drank an evil potion.

The city has fallen on evil days.

It was an evil omen.

Noun

the battle of good versus evil

our free will allows us to choose between good and evil

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

There is so much evil and suffering in the world, so much conniving and malicious intent, and the self is, at least, a familiar foe. — Meghan O’Gieblyn, Harpers Magazine, 30 June 2026

When the monsters reveal an evil agenda that goes beyond becoming movie stars, the Minions are forced to battle them to save the world. — Frank Scheck, HollywoodReporter, 30 June 2026

Noun

Peter Gosselin Washington Moyn’s article and the accompanying cover photograph—showing old people as malevolent and evil—were not up to the usual standards of Harper’s Magazine. — Peter Gosselin, Harpers Magazine, 30 June 2026

Using everything she’s learned from Jack Reacher and her time as a member of the 110 Special Investigators, Neagley puts herself on a dangerous path to uncover a menacing evil. — Denise Petski, Deadline, 30 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Middle English, from Old English yfel; akin to Old High German ubil evil

First Known Use

Adjective

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Noun

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Adverb

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing evil

• evil eye
• evil-minded
• king's evil
• necessary evil
• the evil eye

Rhymes for evil

• weevil
• coeval
• medieval
• primaeval
• primeval
• retrieval
• upheaval
• mediaeval

Kids Definition

evil

1 of 2 adjective

ˈē-vəl 

eviler or eviller; evilest or evillest

1

: morally bad : wicked

2

a

: causing harm : tending to injure

b

: marked by misfortune

evil days

evilly

-vəl-(l)ē 

adverb

evil

2 of 2 noun

1

: something that brings sorrow, trouble, or destruction

2

: the fact of suffering or wrongdoing