What does malevolence mean?
Malevolence is a formal noun meaning deliberate or persistent hostility toward other people, especially a desire to harm, annoy, or undermine them. It suggests an active attitude of ill will rather than a momentary feeling of irritation. The word is commonly used in serious descriptions of personal conflicts, public conduct, literary criticism, and political disputes: a remark may be described as harsh but not malicious, while a sustained campaign of hostility may be called malevolent. Because the term carries a strong moral judgment, it is often reserved for actions that appear intentionally unkind. Malevolence contrasts with benevolence and goodwill, both of which imply a positive concern for others. Although related to the adjective malevolent, the noun is especially useful when discussing the character or motive behind hostile behaviour.
nounThe wish to do harm or cause suffering to others; persistent or deliberate ill will toward another person. It is a formal word for a hostile or spiteful attitude.
- The desire to harm, annoy, or cause suffering to another person; deliberate or persistent ill will.
"Her speech was delivered without malevolence, although its bluntness left little room for goodwill."
"The accusation was dismissed as an attempt to mask years of malevolence toward his former business partner."
"Her criticism was sharp but free of malevolence."
The plural is grammatical but rare; singular forms are much more common.
"The novel explores the different forms of malevolence that can exist within a family."
Malevolence is more than ordinary irritation: it names a deliberate, enduring hostility toward someone else.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does malevolence come from?
Malevolence comes from Latin malevolentia, a noun meaning “willingness to do harm” or “ill will,” formed from malevolent-, the combining form of malevolens, “wishing harm.” It entered English in the early 17th century through French and was influenced by the existing word malice. The same Latin root also underlies malevolent, malicious, and malefactor.
Related word forms
How malevolence is actually used
This is a formal word with a strongly negative tone. It is often used in literary, political, legal, or analytical contexts and is more emphatic than “unfriendliness,” though less explicitly violent than “malice.”