Pernicious

Pernicious describes something that is subtly harmful, destructive, and gradually causing severe damage or ruin, often in an insidious or creeping manner. It implies a dangerous influence or effect, difficult to detect initially but ultimately leading to serious consequences. The damage can affect physical health, moral values, or social structures, often eroding them from within. Its effects are long-lasting and difficult to reverse. pernicious also suggests a deliberate intent to cause harm or destruction.

Pernicious meaning with examples

• The pernicious influence of the propaganda slowly eroded public trust in the free press, leading to widespread skepticism about established facts and, eventually, societal division. This insidious campaign sought to plant seeds of doubt and discord, which then flourished into full blown distrust.
• The pernicious habit of procrastination led to missed deadlines, damaged professional reputation, and the accumulation of overwhelming stress. He kept putting things off until the harm done resulted in him losing his job.
• The doctor worried that the pernicious disease would spread quickly throughout her body despite early diagnosis. Despite the early diagnosis, the disease was still considered a great danger for the patient's well-being.
• The pernicious rumors spread like wildfire, destroying the reputation of the wrongly accused individual. The damage to their reputation was hard to overcome as the rumors were easily shared and consumed.