# malevolent

/məˈɫɛvəɫənt/ (US) · /məlˈɛvələnt/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/malevolent
Updated: 2026-05-19

## Definition

having or showing a desire to cause harm or pain to others. You use this to describe someone who is intentionally mean or cruel.

For teachers: having or showing a desire to cause harm or pain to others. Often used to describe a person's intentions or a force that acts with ill will.

## Examples

- He had a malevolent look in his eyes.
- The software was designed to be malevolent, stealing personal data from the company's servers without permission.
- The novel explores the concept of a malevolent force that subtly manipulates the protagonist's decisions, leading to a tragic and inevitable downfall.

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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.