# depraved

/diˈpɹeɪvd/ (US) · /dɪpɹˈeɪvd/ (UK) · CEFR C2 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/depraved
Updated: 2026-05-11

## Definition

behaving in a way that is morally bad or evil. You use this to describe someone who has no sense of right and wrong.

For teachers: characterised by moral corruption or wickedness. Often used to describe individuals, minds, or specific criminal acts that violate social and ethical norms.

## Examples

- The judge described the crime as a depraved act.
- The novel explores the mind of a depraved villain who feels no remorse for his actions.
- Philosophers have long debated whether humans are born with a depraved nature or if such moral decay is purely a product of their environment and upbringing.

## Usage notes

- Typically used as an attributive adjective before a noun or predicatively after a linking verb like 'be' or 'become'.

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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.