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Definition of villainous

villainous

/ˈvɪl.ə.nəs/
vil · lain · ous
Adverb:villainously
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villainous Lexical Profile

villainous Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Relating to, constituting, or guilty of wicked or criminal behavior; characteristic of a villain.

Example

"The novel's plot revolves around a group of travelers trying to thwart the villainous schemes of a corrupt magistrate."

2

Extremely bad, unpleasant, or abominable in quality.

Example

"The expedition was delayed for three days by villainous weather along the coast."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for villainous

• Nearby Words

villain
villainess
villainize
villainous
villainy
villarrica
villarsia

Word Origin & Etymology

From Middle English vileinous, borrowed from Old French vilenos, originally meaning 'rustic, uncouth, or baseborn,' derived from Late Latin villanus ('farmhand' or 'inhabitant of a villa'). Over time, the aristocratic prejudice equating low social status with moral depravity shifted the meaning to 'wicked' or 'criminal.'

Cite this Entry

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