vile

[vahyl]

adjective

viler, vilest 

1. wretchedly bad.

   a vile humor.

   Antonyms: good

2. highly offensive, unpleasant, or objectionable.

   vile slander.

3. repulsive or disgusting, as to the senses or feelings.

   a vile odor.

   Synonyms: repellent

4. morally debased, depraved, or despicable.

   vile deeds.

   Synonyms: iniquitous, evil, vicious
   Antonyms: elevated

5. foul; filthy.

   vile language.

   Synonyms: obscene, vulgar

6. poor; wretched.

   vile workmanship.

7. of mean or low condition.

   a vile beggar.

8. menial; lowly.

   vile tasks.

9. degraded; ignominious.

   vile servitude.

   Synonyms: contemptible

10. of little value or account; paltry.

    a vile recompense.

    Synonyms: trifling, trivial, contemptible

vile

/ vaɪl /

adjective

1. abominably wicked; shameful or evil

   the vile development of slavery appalled them

2. morally despicable; ignoble

   vile accusations

3. disgusting to the senses or emotions; foul

   a vile smell

   vile epithets

4. tending to humiliate or degrade

   only slaves would perform such vile tasks

5. unpleasant or bad

   vile weather

6. paltry

   a vile reward

Other Word Forms

• vilely adverb
• vileness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of vile¹

First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English vil, from Old French, from Latin vīlis “of little worth, base, cheap”

Word History and Origins

Origin of vile¹

C13: from Old French vil, from Latin vīlis cheap

Synonym Study

See mean ².

Example Sentences

He warns crackdowns on online "speech that is offensive, unpleasant, vile" but not illegal open the door to political abuse.

From BBC

Democrats, however, described the conditions as vile, crowded and unsanitary.

From BBC

"I won't dignify the attacker's words by repeating them, they are horrific and vile," said Mr Thompson.

From BBC

"Before, during, and after the founding of the United States, our cities, States, and country have continuously relied upon capital punishment as the ultimate deterrent and only proper punishment for the vilest crimes," it added.

From BBC

The group accused some demonstrators of launching flares and missiles at the counter protest, and of shouting "vile sexist abuse".

From BBC

Related Words

• appalling 
• contemptible 
• depraved 
• despicable 
• disgraceful 
• disgusting 
• horrid 
• humiliating 
• immoral 
• miserable 
• nasty 
• noxious 
• repugnant 
• repulsive 
• revolting 
• shocking 
• sleazy 
• ugly 
• vicious 
• vulgar