How to Pronounce "necessary evil"
expression
ˈnɛsəˌsɛɹi/ /ˈivəɫ
NES-uh-ser-ee EE-vuhl
nˈɛsəsəɹi/ /ˈiːvəl
NES-uh-suh-ree EE-vuhl
Definition
Something unpleasant or undesirable that must be accepted in order to achieve a good result or avoid a worse situation.
IPA Transcription
American English
ˈnɛsəˌsɛɹi/ /ˈivəɫ
British English
nˈɛsəsəɹi/ /ˈiːvəl
Simplified Pronunciation
US
NES-uh-ser-ee EE-vuhl
UK
NES-uh-suh-ree EE-vuhl
Listen in Context
Paying taxes is a necessary evil.
Many people see homework as a necessary evil.
For some, meetings are just a necessary evil at work.
Insurance feels like a necessary evil—you hate paying it, but you’re glad to have it when you need it.