nefarious
Adjective
Medium difficulty
What does “nefarious” mean?
adjective.wicked or criminal.
SAT Usage
the term is often found in contexts involving moral dilemmas, crime, or villainy, emphasizing the depth of wrongdoing and malicious intent behind actions. It suggests a level of wickedness that goes beyond mere bad behavior, distinguishing it from milder terms like "unethical" or "immoral," which may not convey the same sense of extreme malevolence.
Common Confusions
Nefarious implies wickedness and criminal intent, while immoral usually suggests a lack of adherence to ethical standards without necessarily involving criminal behavior.
Do not choose nefarious if the context emphasizes innocence or virtue rather than wickedness or criminality.
Example Sentences
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The group was involved in a series of nefarious activities.