Insidiously

In a manner that is both deceitful and harmful, often functioning in subtle, gradual ways that are not immediately apparent. The term conveys the idea of treachery that reveals itself slowly, thereby allowing the harmful effects to manifest over time while concealing its true nature until it is too late to prevent damage.

Insidiously meaning with examples

• The insidiously rising pollution in the city has gone unnoticed for years, contributing to health issues that many residents now grapple with. As factories continue to emit harmful substances, the long-term effects of this environmental negligence become increasingly evident.
• He insidiously manipulated the team's dynamics, sowing seeds of doubt and distrust among colleagues while pretending to be their ally. This slow erosion of trust ultimately led to a fractured team that could no longer collaborate effectively, hurting their overall productivity.
• The insidious nature of addiction often tricks individuals into believing they have control when, in fact, their behavior spirals out of control. Each small compromise made along the way leads to greater dependency, making it harder to reclaim a sense of autonomy.
• Her insidiously persuasive arguments masked scientifically inaccurate claims, subtly influencing public opinion against the vaccination program. Over time, misinformation spread like wildfire, resulting in decreased immunity within the community and a rise in preventable diseases.