Vile: meaning, definitions and examples

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.

Used to describe something extremely unpleasant or morally despicable. Often implies disgust or repulsion.

• The food had a vile odor
• His vile actions shocked everyone

Used to describe profound immorality, wickedness, or malevolence. Often used in a religious or mythological context.

• The villain in the story was pure evil
• They believed that the haunted house was possessed by an evil spirit

Describes something or someone that is morally wrong, but can also be used humorously to describe something cool or impressive. In negative context, it implies malevolence.

• The witch had a wicked grin
• The plot of the movie revealed the wicked plans of the antagonist
• That skateboard trick was wicked!

Describes someone who has moral corruption and a lack of basic decency or respect. Carries a strong negative connotation.

• The criminal’s depraved behavior shocked the nation
• His depraved mind was capable of terrible things

Typically used in a religious context to describe actions that go against moral or divine law. Less intense than 'evil'.

• She felt guilty about her sinful thoughts
• According to the preacher, lying is a sinful act

Usually refers to someone in a position of power who acts dishonestly for personal gain. Can also refer to data or actions that are tainted.

• The mayor was found to be corrupt
• The file became corrupt and couldn't be opened