Definition of Malicious
Quick Meaning of Malicious
Done on purpose to hurt someone or damage something. Shows real intention to cause harm or evil.
Detailed Definition of Malicious
Characterized by the intention or desire to cause harm, damage, or suffering to others; deliberately evil or harmful.
How to Pronounce Malicious
Stress pattern: oOo (3-syllable word).
Tip: Stress the second syllable: muh-LISH-us. The first syllable is short 'uh', third syllable is weak 'us'.
Watch out: Some learners mispronounce as 'muh-LISH-us' or stress wrong syllables. Correct stress: second syllable only (muh-LISH-us).
Origin and Etymology of Malicious
From Latin 'malitiosus' (malicious). 'Malus' means 'bad' + 'itiosus' means 'full of'. Entered English in 13th century through Old French. Related to 'malice' (noun).
How to Use Malicious in a Sentence
Each example shows “malicious” with a CEFR level so learners can pick examples that match their fluency.
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“The hacker launched a malicious attack on the company's servers to steal data.”
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“Her comments were clearly malicious, intended to damage his reputation.”
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“The court found that the defendant acted with malicious intent.”
Synonyms and Antonyms of Malicious
Common Synonyms for Malicious
Smart Synonyms for Malicious — When to Use Each
- spiteful
- Personal grudge; motivated by spite or resentment
- deliberate
- Emphasis on intentional action, not necessarily evil
- vindictive
- Seeking revenge; more emotionally driven than purely malicious
- malevolent
- Implies deep-rooted evil nature or intent
Common Collocations with Malicious
These phrases pair with “malicious” in everyday English:
- malicious intent
- malicious attack
- malicious software
- malicious gossip
Common Mistakes When Using Malicious
Even fluent speakers slip up with “malicious”. Here’s how to avoid the most common errors:
- ✗ Wrong: The virus is very malicious to computers.
- ✓ Correct: The virus is very malicious. / The virus causes damage to computers.
- Why: 'Malicious' describes the intent/nature, not 'to' someone. Say 'malicious towards' for a target if needed, but usually just state the harm separately.
- ✗ Wrong: She make malicious comments.
- ✓ Correct: She made malicious comments.
- Why: Subject-verb agreement: 'she' is singular, requires 'made' not 'make'.
- ✗ Wrong: He acted in a malicious way against her.
- ✓ Correct: He acted maliciously towards her. / He made malicious accusations against her.
- Why: Adverb form 'maliciously' is more concise; or use 'malicious' + noun.
Words Confused With Malicious
- Malicious vs Malign (verb): Malign = to criticize harshly or speak badly of someone. Malicious = having harmful intent.
Other Forms of Malicious
- Noun: malice
- Adjective: malicious
- Adverb: maliciously
Frequently Asked Questions About Malicious
What is the meaning of "Malicious"?
Done on purpose to hurt someone or damage something. Shows real intention to cause harm or evil.
How do you pronounce "Malicious"?
The IPA is /məˈlɪʃəs/. Stress the second syllable: muh-LISH-us. The first syllable is short 'uh', third syllable is weak 'us'.
What part of speech is "Malicious"?
"Malicious" is an adjective at C1 level (Common European Framework).
What are synonyms for "Malicious"?
Common synonyms include spiteful, intentionally harmful, evil-intentioned.
How do you use "Malicious" in a sentence?
For example: "The hacker launched a malicious attack on the company's servers to steal data."