nefarious

[ ni-fair-ee-uhs ]

adjective

1. extremely wicked or villainous; iniquitous:

   a nefarious plot.

   Synonyms: execrable, atrocious, vile, infamous, heinous, flagitious

   Antonyms: honest, good

nefarious

/ nɪˈfɛərɪəs /

adjective

1. evil; wicked; sinful

Derived Forms

• neˈfariously, adverb
• neˈfariousness, noun

Other Word Forms

• ne·fari·ous·ly adverb
• ne·fari·ous·ness noun
• unne·fari·ous adjective
• unne·fari·ous·ly adverb
• unne·fari·ous·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of nefarious¹

First recorded in 1595–1605; from Latin nefārius “wicked, vile,” equivalent to nefās “offense against divine or moral law” (from ne-, negative prefix + fās “law, right”) + -ius -ious

Word History and Origins

Origin of nefarious¹

C17: from Latin nefārius, from nefās unlawful deed, from nē not + fās divine law

Example Sentences

“The fact that they filed for bankruptcy doesn’t mean that tomorrow some nefarious company is going to purchase the data,” Levy said.

From Los Angeles Times

"Now they know it's not just them affected; it was part of a larger nefarious scheme."

From BBC

Unanswered questions have long dogged the case, giving rise to theories about the involvement of government agents, the mafia and other nefarious characters - as well as more outlandish claims.

From BBC

Dude’s nefarious and slimy and anything shady seems to have to do with him.

From Los Angeles Times

She added that the decision had “absolutely no nefarious intent.”

From Salon

Related Words

• heinous
• horrible
• odious
• outrageous
• shameful
• vicious
• vile