# necessary evil

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/necessary-evil
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

An unfavorable thing that must be done or accepted, especially because the available alternative courses of action or inaction would be worse.

## Examples

- Paying taxes is a necessary evil for everyone.
- The manager explained that the budget cuts were a necessary evil to keep the company running.
- While many view the strict new regulations as a necessary evil, they remain essential for maintaining safety in the industry.

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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.