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Definition of vile

vile

/vaɪl/
vile
Adverb:vilely
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vile Lexical Profile

vile Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Extremely unpleasant, offensive, or disgusting to the senses.

Example

"A vile odor of rotting garbage wafted up from the neglected alley."

2

Morally base, wicked, or despicable.

Example

"The prosecutor condemned the fraud scheme as a vile betrayal of vulnerable retirees."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for vile
Antonyms
View all antonyms for vile

Word Nuance & Usage

Do not confuse 'vile' (extremely unpleasant or wicked) with its homophone 'vial' (a small glass container for liquids).

• Rhymes for vile

• Nearby Words

vila
vila nova de gaia
vilanculos
vile
vilely
vileness
vilify

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the 13th century from Old French 'vil' ('cheap, base, lowly'), from Latin 'vilis' ('of small price or value, cheap, worthless').

Cite this Entry

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