Adjective
Vituperative
IPA /vɪˈtjuːpərətɪv/
Bitter and abusive; full of harsh and angry criticism.
See example sentence: Vituperative
The debate turned vituperative as the candidates hurled personal insults.
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Noun
Invective
IPA /ɪnˈvɛktɪv/
Very harsh, insulting language used to attack or criticise someone, especially when the speaker or writer is angry.
See example sentence: Invective
The politician’s speech was filled with invective aimed at his opponents.
Noun
Opprobrium
IPA /əˈprəʊbriəm/
Harsh criticism or public disgrace arising from shameful conduct.
See example sentence: Opprobrium
The athlete faced national opprobrium after being caught cheating.
Noun
Malfeasance
IPA /ˌmælˈfiːzəns/
Wrongdoing or misconduct, especially by a public official or person in authority.
See example sentence: Malfeasance
The mayor was removed from office after allegations of financial malfeasance surfaced.
Adjective
Rebarbative
IPA /rɪˈbɑːbətɪv/
Unpleasant, repellent, or unattractive, often in a way that pushes people away.
See example sentence: Rebarbative
The professor's rebarbative tone made students hesitant to ask questions.
Adjective
Pusillanimous
IPA /ˌpjuːsɪˈlænɪməs/
Lacking courage or determination; timid or cowardly.
See example sentence: Pusillanimous
His pusillanimous refusal to speak up during the meeting disappointed the entire team.
Verb / Adjective
Indurate
IPA verb /ˈɪndjʊˌreɪt/; adjective /ˈɪndjʊrɪt/
As a verb, to make or become hard. As an adjective, hardened or unfeeling.
See example sentence: Indurate
Years of hardship indurated his heart to suffering.
Adjective
Insouciant
IPA /ɪnˈsuːsiənt/
Showing a casual lack of concern; carefree and unbothered.
See example sentence: Insouciant
She strolled into the meeting with an insouciant smile, unaware of the looming deadline.
Adjective
Apocryphal
IPA /əˈpɒkrɪfl/
Of doubtful authenticity, although widely circulated as being true.
See example sentence: Apocryphal
The guide said that the popular tale about the castle’s secret tunnel was probably apocryphal.
Adjective
Pernicious
IPA /pəˈnɪʃəs/
Highly harmful or destructive, often in a gradual or subtle way.
See example sentence: Pernicious
The pernicious effects of misinformation spread quickly across social media.
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