Word of the day: Pernicious

Pernicious is a word that describes something harmful, dangerous, or destructive, often in a way that is not immediately obvious. Whether it’s a rumor, a habit, or a policy, pernicious captures the quiet, creeping kind of harm that can cause serious damage over time.

In simple, everyday language, pernicious means very harmful or damaging, usually in a gradual, insidious, or subtle way. A pernicious influence is one that quietly undermines, injures, or corrupts, often before anyone notices its full effect.

The word focuses on impact rather than intent. Something pernicious does not have to be deliberately malicious; even seemingly small or indirect forces can be pernicious if their effects are destructive.


Pernicious appears frequently in journalism, literature, scientific writing, and commentary, particularly when describing social issues, diseases, ideas, or trends with long-term harmful consequences.

Pernicious is an adjective and carries a strongly negative tone. It emphasizes danger, harm, and damaging influence, often warning of consequences that are serious or lasting.

The word comes from the Latin perniciosus, meaning “destructive” or “ruinous,” derived from pernicies, “destruction.” English has used it since the 15th century to describe anything subtly but powerfully harmful.

Example sentences:

• The spread of misinformation can have a pernicious effect on public trust.
  
• Smoking is known to be a pernicious habit that damages health over time.
  
• A pernicious rivalry gradually poisoned the workplace atmosphere.

In real life, pernicious is useful in analytical writing, journalism, social commentary, and literature. It allows writers and speakers to describe hidden or long-term dangers with precision, highlighting risks that may not be immediately obvious.