WordGarden.iovile
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /vˈaɪl/
US
- /ˈvaɪl/
Meanings
Adjective
extremely unpleasant, disgusting, or offensive
morally base, wicked, or depraved
Beyond the definition
Something vile is not just unpleasant. It is deeply disgusting, shocking, or morally bad. You might use it for a cruel act, a hateful comment, a filthy smell, or a person whose behavior seems rotten. The word has strong force. It suggests more than simple dislike; it suggests disgust, anger, and strong moral judgment. If something makes you want to pull away from it or condemn it, vile is often the right word.
The word "vile" describes something deeply disgusting, morally bad, or offensive in a very strong way. It goes beyond simply being bad. It suggests something that shocks your senses or your sense of right and wrong. Long ago, the word was also connected with the idea of being low, cheap, or worthless, but in modern English it usually points to disgust, cruelty, or corruption.
You might describe a horrible smell, a filthy room, or spoiled food as vile if they seem revolting. More often, though, the word is used for behavior, speech, or character. A vile act of cruelty is not merely unkind; it feels deeply wrong. A vile person is someone seen as hateful, corrupt, or morally rotten.
The word has a long literary history and often appears in strong emotional writing, especially when the speaker wants to condemn something completely. It can describe physical disgust, but it is especially common when talking about human actions that seem evil, shameful, or deeply offensive.
You would not usually use vile for something mildly annoying, boring, or imperfect. It is a strong word, saved for things that seem truly disgusting or seriously wrong. If something turns your stomach, offends your values, or makes you react with sharp disgust and condemnation, vile is a very natural choice.
Examples
- 1
Bad smell
There was a vile smell coming from the trash can.
- 2
Online comments
He was fired for making vile comments online.
- 3
Living conditions
The workers were living in vile conditions with no clean water.
- 4
Moral judgment
It was a vile thing to do to a friend.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Feeling ill
I felt vile all day after the long bus ride.
- Usage
in British English, feel vile can mean feel very ill
See also
Forms and spellings
3 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- vileadjective
Forms
- vilestsuperlativeadjective
- vilercomparativeadjective