Egregious

Meaning

Outstandingly bad, shocking, or conspicuous; flagrantly wrong or offensive beyond ordinary levels.

Origin / Etymology

Latin egregius (standing out from the flock), from e- (out of) + grex (flock), originally meant 'distinguished', but meaning inverted over time

Synonyms

Outrageous Flagrant Appalling

Antonyms

Minor Acceptable Commendable

Example Sentence

"The Supreme Court termed the custodial death of the accused an egregious violation of Article 21, holding the state vicariously liable for the acts of its police officers."

🎯 UPSC Usage

Use in GS2 Governance, GS4 Ethics, and Essay answers when describing severe violations of rights, gross dereliction of duty, or extreme instances of corruption. Stronger than 'serious' or 'grave', reserve for truly shocking cases.

Relevant Subjects