Search

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.

Relevant Subjects
Economy Polity
← All Words
BharatNotes