Pernicious Meaning in English
word
pɝˈnɪʃəs
per-NISH-us
pɜːnˈɪʃəs
puh-NISH-us
Definition
Causing great harm, damage, or death, especially in a gradual or subtle way; extremely harmful.
Usage & Nuances
Rather formal or academic; common in medical, legal, or policy discussions ('pernicious effects', 'pernicious influence'). Implies slow, hidden damage rather than immediate obvious harm. Not used for minor problems.
Spanish: pernicioso - dañinoPortuguese (BR): pernicioso - nocivoPortuguese (PT): pernicioso - nocivoChinese (Simplified): 有害的 - 恶性的Chinese (Traditional): 有害的 - 惡性的Hindi: हानिकारक - घातकArabic: خبيث - ضارBengali: ক্ষতিকর - ধ্বংসাত্মক - কুপ্রভাবযুক্তRussian: вредоносный - пагубныйJapanese: 有害な - 悪質なVietnamese: nguy hại - độc hạiKorean: 해로운 - 악영향을 미치는Turkish: zararlı - tehlikeliUrdu: مُضر - تباہ کنIndonesian: berbahaya - merusak
Example Sentences
The pernicious smoke from factories can harm people's health.
basic
Some viruses have a pernicious effect on the human body.
basic
The pernicious rumors caused a lot of trouble.
basic
Unchecked stress can have a pernicious impact on mental health over time.
natural
There's a pernicious myth that success comes without hard work.
natural
Social media can spread pernicious ideas very quickly.
natural