WordGarden.iopernicious
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /pɜːnˈɪʃəs/
US
- /pərˈnɪʃəs/
Meanings
Adjective
causing serious harm in a subtle or gradual way
Beyond the definition
Something pernicious is not just bad. It causes harm in a quiet or gradual way, often before people fully notice what it is doing. Think of a tiny leak in a ship; it does not sink the vessel at once, but if no one stops it, it can slowly lead to disaster. The word often describes influences, habits, lies, or systems that keep doing damage over time. A pernicious rumor can slowly ruin someone's reputation, and a pernicious habit like smoking can steadily harm your health.
The word comes from Latin roots linked to destruction or ruin, so it carries a sense of serious harm. You would not usually use it for a simple one-time problem. You use it for something that quietly eats away at health, trust, safety, or stability.
The word "pernicious" describes something having a harmful effect, especially in a gradual or subtle way. It's more than just damaging; it implies a destructive influence that operates insidiously, slowly and stealthily causing harm. Think of it as a poison that doesn't kill you instantly but weakens you over time.
Pernicious is often used to describe abstract things like habits, influences, or ideas. For example: "The pernicious effects of social media on teenagers' self-esteem" suggests a slow erosion of confidence. Or, "A pernicious cycle of poverty" implies a damaging pattern that's hard to break.
It can also be applied to physical dangers, especially when the harm is serious and not always obvious at first. A pernicious disease may gradually weaken the body, and a pernicious lie may slowly undermine trust.
The word carries a strong negative connotation and suggests something deeply damaging and difficult to overcome. It's not a casual term – you wouldn't say your burnt toast is "pernicious." Instead, reserve it for things that pose a serious, long-term threat.
So, if something is subtly but steadily causing harm, eroding well-being, or undermining stability—it's likely pernicious. It's a word to use when describing dangers that lurk beneath the surface and slowly unravel what's good.
Examples
- 1
Worker health
Long hours and poor safety rules had a pernicious effect on the workers' health.
- 2
Team rumors
The rumor seemed harmless at first, but its pernicious influence spread through the team.
- 3
Harmful belief
She challenged the pernicious idea that asking for help is a sign of weakness.
- 4
Public trust
The report warned that corruption is pernicious to public trust.
- Patternpernicious to + thing
damaging to that thing
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Medical diagnosis
The doctor tested her for pernicious anemia after she complained of extreme tiredness.
- Domainpernicious anemia
a medical condition that can cause weakness and tiredness
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
Contrast
Used with (collocations)
- pernicious effects
- pernicious influence
- pernicious myth
Word family
- perniciously
- perniciousness
Explore
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- perniciousadjective