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
Playing a vain, pitch-perfect vision of Los Angeles’ wickedness in “Maps to the Stars,” Julianne Moore mothered so hard she almost separated California right down the San Andreas fault line.
From Salon ● May 10, 2026
They all have a reason for the wickedness that they do.
From Slate ● Jan. 20, 2026
Hutton appeared before Belfast Magistrates' Court for sentencing on Thursday, where District Judge Francis Rafferty described her act as one of "abject wickedness".
From BBC ● Nov. 6, 2025
There’s no use in looking back, for here’s the truth I’ve found: It’s hunger, want, and wickedness that makes the world go round.
From "Good Masters! Sweet Ladies!: Voices from a Medieval Village" by Laura Amy Schlitz
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