Etymology
Origin of wickedness
Middle English word dating back to 1250–1300; see origin at wicked, -ness
Explanation
Wickedness goes way past being naughty or mischievous; it means a quality of true evil. In an old spy movie, the villain might reveal his wickedness by cackling with delight while carrying out dastardly plans. A tyrant's cruel treatment of citizens is evidence of wickedness, while literary antagonists like Shakespeare's Lady Macbeth and Voldemort from the Harry Potter series display their wickedness through many vicious actions. Wickedness and wicked come from a now-obsolete adjective, wick, meaning "bad or false," and an Old English root it shares with wizard and witch.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
To Assad, a member of the department, its purpose is “to get justice, help put things right for victims, and keep the wickedness of the world at bay.”
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 22, 2026
But the townsfolk are fresh out of ideas of how to stop the disaster pressing down on them, save for one that Tom and Wyck, now allies against this unseen wickedness, plot together.
From Salon ● Jun. 18, 2026
They all have a reason for the wickedness that they do.
From Slate ● Jan. 20, 2026
I looked back on core memories in my life that I had viewed as me being an indication of my weakness, my wickedness, my deal with the devil, so to speak.
From Los Angeles Times ● Dec. 3, 2024
And as Abra became more radiant, more pure and beautiful, Aron took an increasing joy in a concept of his own wickedness.
From "East of Eden" by John Steinbeck
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
