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Definition of perniciousness

perniciousness

/pərˈnɪʃ.əs.nəs/
per · ni · cious · ness
Adverb:perniciously
•
Adjective:pernicious
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perniciousness Lexical Profile

perniciousness Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

The quality or state of being severely harmful, destructive, or ruinous, especially in a gradual, subtle, or insidious manner.

Example

"The historian wrote extensively about the quiet perniciousness of unchecked propaganda in weakening democratic institutions."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for perniciousness

• Nearby Words

permittee
permitting
permutation
perniciousness
perovskia
peroxide
perp

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed in English from the adjective 'pernicious' and the noun-forming suffix '-ness', ultimately tracing back to the Latin 'perniciosus' ('destructive'), from 'pernecare' ('to kill thoroughly').

Cite this Entry

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