Vocabulary Builder — Essay & Answer Writing
Perverse
adjective
/ per-VERS /
Medium
Meaning
Contrary to what is expected or desired; producing an outcome opposite to the intended purpose
Origin / Etymology
Latin perversus — turned the wrong way (per- + vertere, to turn)
Synonyms
Contrary
Counterproductive
Paradoxical
Antonyms
Intended
Constructive
Beneficial
Example Sentence
"Rewarding higher population states with more parliamentary seats creates a perverse incentive that punishes states which invested in education and family planning."
🎯 UPSC Usage
Essential in economics (perverse incentives, moral hazard) and governance answers. Use when a policy produces the opposite of its intended effect — common in subsidy, tax, and regulation discussions.