Hello, you have come here looking for the meaning of the word
necessary evil. In DICTIOUS you will not only get to know all the dictionary meanings for the word
necessary evil, but we will also tell you about its etymology, its characteristics and you will know how to say
necessary evil in singular and plural. Everything you need to know about the word
necessary evil you have here. The definition of the word
necessary evil will help you to be more precise and correct when speaking or writing your texts. Knowing the definition of
necessary evil, as well as those of other words, enriches your vocabulary and provides you with more and better linguistic resources.
English
Pronunciation
Noun
necessary evil (plural necessary evils)
- (idiomatic) An unfavorable thing that must be done or accepted, especially because the available alternative courses of action or inaction would be worse.
- Another punishing round of chemo is a necessary evil if Lisa is to have a fighting chance against the cancer.
- My boss is a real piece of work, but my kids make keeping this job a necessary evil.
Translations
unfavorable thing that must be done or accepted
See also