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Definition of viciousness

viciousness

/ˈvɪʃ.əs.nəs/
vi · cious · ness
Adverb:viciously
•
Adjective:vicious
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viciousness Lexical Profile

viciousness Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

The quality or state of being deliberately cruel, spiteful, or violently aggressive.

Example

"The unexpected viciousness of the critic's remarks left the young author deeply shaken."

2

Extreme severity, intensity, or harshness, as of weather or a predicament.

Example

"The sudden viciousness of the winter storm forced all coastal vessels to seek immediate shelter."

3

The quality of being morally depraved, corrupt, or given to vice.

Example

"Moral philosophers of the era frequently wrote against the perceived viciousness of gambling and excess."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for viciousness

• Nearby Words

vicinity
vicious
viciously
viciousness
vicksburg
victim
victimhood

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed in English from the adjective 'vicious' plus the noun-forming suffix '-ness'. 'Vicious' derives from Old French 'vicios', from Latin 'vitiosus' ('faulty, defective, or corrupt'), ultimately from 'vitium' ('fault' or 'vice').

Cite this Entry

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