adjective

nefarious

ni-FAIR-ee-us/nɪˈferiəs/

Extremely wicked or immoral.

The gang uses threats and violence to advance its nefarious plans.

An armed robber empties an open safe while holding a bound, frightened hostage at gunpoint: an unmistakably serious criminal act rather than merely suspicious behavior.

Etymology

nefariousLatinwicked, abominable, impious

Latin nefarius connects wickedness with impiety through nefas, a wrong against what is lawful or divinely sanctioned. This gives the adjective a stronger moral charge than simply “bad.”

In context

Luke Ford Livestreams102:39

so a slow counting state or city or county is not necessarily nefarious it simply means that you have a lot of votes and limited resources

Live 2022 Election Coverage (11-9-22)

More examples

She uncovers a nefarious scheme to steal patients' life savings.
The charity is a front for nefarious activities.
He uses his position of trust for nefarious purposes.

Forms

nefarious

nefariously adverb — In an extremely wicked or immoral manner.

nefariousness noun — The quality of being extremely wicked.

Similar words

evil: Broadly describes profound moral wrong, without suggesting elaborate schemes.
wicked: Describes serious moral wrongdoing but also has playful uses.
sinister: Suggests threatened harm or hidden evil rather than established wrongdoing.