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Definition of dastardly

dastardly

/ˈdæs.tɚd.li/
das · tard · ly
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dastardly Lexical Profile

dastardly Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Wicked, cruel, and villainous, especially in a treacherous, underhanded, or cowardly manner.

Example

"The detective uncovered a dastardly plot to defraud the charity of its entire endowment."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for dastardly
Antonyms
View all antonyms for dastardly

Word Nuance & Usage

Historically, 'dastardly' denoted an act committed with base cowardice or sneaky treachery, though in modern usage it is often used somewhat melodramatically or humorously to mean generically wicked or villainous.

• Rhymes for dastardly

• Nearby Words

dashingly
dashlight
dassie
dastardly
data
databank
database

Word Origin & Etymology

Derived in the 16th century from the noun 'dastard' (meaning a dullard or base coward), likely from Middle English 'dased' (dazed) combined with the pejorative suffix '-ard'.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Dastardly. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/dastardly
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