Vile Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

Used to describe something extremely unpleasant or morally reprehensible.

• The food was so vile that I couldn't take another bite
• It's vile to cheat people out of their hard-earned money

Suitable for describing something that causes a strong feeling of dislike or nausea.

• The kitchen was disgusting, with dirty dishes piled high
• The way he treated his colleagues was disgusting

Used to describe something that is so disgusting that it makes you want to distance yourself from it.

• The smell coming from the dumpster was repulsive
• I found his behavior to be utterly repulsive

Appropriate for expressing strong opposition or disgust towards something morally wrong or horrendous.

• His treatment of animals is truly abhorrent
• Racism is abhorrent in a civilized society

Best for describing something that causes someone to feel deeply hurt, upset, or angry, particularly in moral or social contexts.

• His jokes were extremely offensive to many people
• The comment he made was highly offensive

Used for describing something harmful, poisonous, or very unpleasant; often refers to substances or environments.

• The factory was emitting noxious fumes
• The spill created a noxious hazard for the community

Appropriate for describing something extremely unpleasant, evil, or morally wrong. Often used to express strong disapproval.

• His vile actions shocked everyone.
• The villain's vile plans were discovered.

Describes something dirty, offensive, or involving a bad smell. It can also refer to unacceptable behavior or sports rules violations.

• The air was foul with pollution.
• He used foul language during the argument.
• The player was penalized for a foul.

Generally describes something decaying or decomposing, with a strong, unpleasant smell. Often used in a more dramatic or literary context.

• The putrid smell of decaying fish was overpowering.
• The putrid remains of the meal were left untouched.

Describes a strong, offensive smell, usually implying something that is old and has deteriorated.

• The rank odor of sweat filled the gym.
• The rank smell from the fridge was nauseating.

A more formal term to describe something that has an unpleasant or offensive smell.

• The malodorous compost heap attracted insects.
• The old sneakers were extremely malodorous.

Used to describe something with an extremely bad smell, often referring to decay or rot.

• The fetid odor from the garbage was unbearable.
• The air in the abandoned building was fetid.