Malignancy: meaning, definitions and examples

Used most commonly within medical contexts to describe cancerous growths or tumors that are harmful and dangerous.

• The doctor found a malignancy in the patient's lung during the examination.
• The biopsy confirmed the presence of malignancy in the tissue sample.

Refers to the quality or state of being malevolent, which means having or showing a desire to cause harm or evil to others. It is often used in literary or formal contexts.

• The malevolence in his eyes was unmistakable.
• Her malevolence towards her colleagues created a toxic work environment.

Used to describe something profoundly immoral, wicked, or malevolent. Its use often carries strong negative connotations and moral judgments.

• The dictator's evil actions caused suffering for millions of people.
• There is a lot of evil in the world, but also a lot of good.

Primarily used in a medical context to refer to a variety of diseases characterized by uncontrolled cell growth. Can also be used metaphorically to describe something harmful spreading in a community or organization.

• She was diagnosed with breast cancer last year.
• The corruption in the administration is like a cancer eating away at the organization.

Used in medical contexts or to describe something harmful or malevolent in a severe sense. It often refers to tumors or cancers that are dangerous.

• The biopsy revealed a malignancy in the patient's lung.
• The malignancy of his actions left a lasting impact on everyone involved.

Used to describe the intention or desire to do harm or evil. It is often associated with legal contexts or personal vendettas and has a strong negative connotation.

• He was accused of acting with malice when he spread those rumors.
• The crime appeared to be driven by malice rather than necessity.

Used to describe an antagonistic or aggressive attitude or behavior. It can refer to interpersonal relationships or larger conflicts, such as between nations.

• Her words were filled with hostility, making it clear she was not ready to forgive.
• The negotiation failed due to the prolonged hostility between the two countries.

Used to describe a petty and deliberate desire to hurt, annoy, or offend someone. It usually implies small, vengeful actions and carries a negative connotation.

• She sent the invitation to everyone except him out of pure spite.
• In a fit of spite, he deleted all the files they'd worked on together.