# maliciously

/məˈɫɪʃɪsɫi/ (US) · /mɐlˈɪʃəsli/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Adverb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/maliciously
Updated: 2026-05-20

## Definition

in a way that is mean, cruel, or intended to hurt someone. You use this to describe actions that are not just bad, but done on purpose to cause trouble.

For teachers: in a manner intended to cause harm, injury, or distress to another person or thing. Often implies a deliberate and spiteful intent.

## Examples

- He maliciously spread false rumors about his neighbor.
- The software was designed to delete files maliciously, causing significant data loss for the company.
- The witness testified that the defendant acted maliciously, not out of necessity, but to ensure that the rival business would fail before the new season began.

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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.