Definition
Egregious refers to something that is extremely bad, shocking or outstandingly bad, deserving of punishment, criticism, or condemnation.
Pronunciation
US English
UK English
Part of Speech
Adjective
Synonyms
Outrageous, flagrant, atrocious, gross, heinous, shocking, appalling, monstrous, scandalous
Antonyms
Inconspicuous, subtle, minor, insignificant
Word Forms
| Part of Speech | Words |
|---|---|
| Noun | None |
| Verb | None |
| Adjective | egregious |
| Adverb | None |
Example Sentences
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The company’s egregious behavior towards its employees led to a strike.
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The politician made an egregious error in his speech that went viral on social media.
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The customer service was so egregious that I had to return the product and ask for a refund.
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The athlete’s egregious foul led to his suspension from the team.
Usage
The word “egregious” comes from the Latin word “egregius,” which means “distinguished” or “remarkable.” However, in modern usage, the word has a negative connotation, suggesting something that is notably bad or wrong. It is commonly used to describe actions, behaviors, or situations that are considered extremely wrong or offensive.
The term “egregious” often implies that the wrongdoing is so serious that it is almost beyond comprehension or belief. For example, an egregious violation of human rights would refer to a gross and shocking infringement on the basic rights of an individual or group of people. Similarly, an egregious error in judgment would refer to a decision or action that is so obviously wrong that it is difficult to understand how it could have been made.
Overall, “egregious” is a powerful word that conveys a strong sense of moral outrage or condemnation. It is often used in formal writing, such as legal documents, news reports, and academic papers, to describe situations or behaviors that are considered to be extreme or outrageous.