English · Culture & Society

vice

/vaɪs/

[/vaɪs/]

immoral habit or fault

Intermediatenoun

Definition

An immoral or bad habit, or wickedness in general. It is the opposite of virtue and can refer to minor weaknesses too.

Example

Gambling was his one serious vice, and it slowly drained the family's hard-earned savings.

Gambling was his one serious vice, and it slowly drained the family's hard-earned savings.

Etymology

From Old French 'vice', from Latin 'vitium' (fault, defect).

How & Where It’s Used

Used in ethics, religion, and everyday speech.

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