# greater of two evils

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/greater-of-two-evils
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

The most harmful or unpleasant of two undesirable alternatives.

## Examples

- Choosing between these two bad options is the greater of two evils.
- We had to choose between cutting staff or reducing salaries, and we chose the greater of two evils by letting people go.
- Faced with the collapse of the economy or a painful period of austerity, the government argued that the latter was merely the greater of two evils.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.