adjective
- having a harmful effect, especially in a gradual or subtle way
Examples
- The pernicious effects of smoking may not appear for years.
- Social media can have a pernicious influence on young people’s self-esteem.
- The company’s pernicious business practices eventually led to its downfall.
- Gossip can be particularly pernicious in small communities.
- The pernicious spread of misinformation threatens democratic institutions.
- Air pollution has pernicious effects on respiratory health.