- Today's Word
Nefarious
Nefarious
nuh-FAIR-ee-uhs
Definition
(adjective) Wicked or criminal in an especially immoral or villainous way.
Example
The detective uncovered a nefarious plot to rig the election.
Word Origin
Early 17th century: from Latin nefarious, from nefas ‘wrong, crime’, from ne- ‘not’ + fas ‘divine law’.
Fun Fact
Nefarious isn’t just bad—it’s actively, intentionally evil. The word shows up often in stories with villains, conspiracies, and moral corruption. Whether it’s a nefarious villain in a superhero movie or a nefarious scheme in a true-crime podcast, the word adds weight. It’s a favorite for describing actions that go beyond unethical—into unforgivable.