If your novel is set in a community that is inherently bad, in this post we’ve included 10 words to describe a bad society. Scroll down to learn more and how you might incorporate some of these words in your book.
1. Intimidating
Definition
Causing feelings of fear or worry.
Examples
“Unlike pleasant civilizations, that society was intimidating and not the place for me.”
“The society was so intimidating, she had to leave at once or she’d go crazy.”
How it Adds Description
Bad societies are often unpleasant to live in, and the word “intimidating” shows the effect of this unpleasantness on people. This term can be used to describe how awful the society is on your main character, allowing the reader to understand the depth of their feelings. This is a good term to use if you’re creating a comparison between your society and a character.
2. Dubious
Definition
Can’t be trusted or not able to be truthful.
Examples
“The dubious society was full of lies and misinformation.”
“It was a dubious society that often made false claims.”
How it Adds Description
Since the word “dubious” describes things of an untrue or untrustworthy nature, it’s a great way to convey the shadiness of a bad society. “Dubious” can portray the bad sides of the society to your reader, without stating it outright. If you’re slowly building up to reveal the nature of your bad society, the word “dubious” can help to create foreshadowing.
3. Irresolute
Definition
Someone who can’t decide what to say or do.
Examples
“In an irresolute society, the weakest were rarely protected.”
“Society was irresolute while they watched it burn.”
How it Adds Description
If your bad society can’t decide what to do, the word “irresolute” can help you portray their indecisiveness. “Irresolute” is a synonym of weak and doubtful, showing that the society’s inability to choose is resulting in negative consequences. If you’re trying to portray a group of weak people, “irresolute” is a fitting word. “Irresolute” will help your readers understand your society’s motivations, or lack of them!
4. Atrocious
Definition
Very bad/unacceptable qualities or behavior.
Examples
“The way the society responded was atrocious.”
“That atrocious society doesn’t have my vote!”
How it Adds Description
“Atrocious” is an adjective that can be applied to a truly terrible society. If you’re searching for a word to grasp the horrid nature of your world, allow “atrocious” to do the heavy lifting. A synonym of appalling and horrible, this word carries a lot of weight and can easily convey the bad mood to your readers.
5. Vile
Definition
Someone or something that is extremely unpleasant.
Examples
“I can’t spend another minute in this vile society!”
“He didn’t know at the time, but he was about to enter a vile society.”
How it Adds Description
“Vile” is an adjective that emphasizes how horrible something is. It can be used for individuals, groups, or objects, allowing you to introduce your audience to the true horror of your bad society. It’s a synonym of wicked or evil, so make sure you reserve this powerful word for the worst of the worst in your society!
6. Shameful
Definition
To be ashamed or deserve blame for bad actions.
Examples
“The shameful society was full of traitors, you couldn’t’ trust anyone there.”
“It was a shameful society, even the youth couldn’t look you in the eyes and tell you the truth.”
How it Adds Description
The word “shameful” suggests the society has many liars or bad people within it. This will indicate that it’s a bad place to the reader, and can be used to create a sense of foreboding within your novel. It’s also a good device for creating anticipation, so note this down if you want to unleash a revelation further on in your story.
7. Rotten
Definition
For objects decayed and no longer usable. Or to describe unpleasantness.
Examples
“Believe me, that rotten society is beyond saving and I don’t care for it.”
“You wouldn’t catch me visiting that rotten society ever again.”
How it Adds Description
The word “rotten” often portrays the unpleasantness or poor quality of something, and you can use this adjective to describe the bad state of your society. This word often hints to a singular issue causing the rot. So, you can quietly hint to the cause of your bad society if needed. If you’re trying to increase intrigue, this word will keep your readers turning the pages.
8. Corrupt
Definition
Morally wrong or dishonest, allowing illegal activities to occur for money.
Examples
“I visited that place and it was definitely a corrupt society.”
“The corrupt society accepted hush money in exchange for police silence.”
How it Adds Description
The word “corrupt” is linked with illegality. Therefore, if your bad society is allowing crime and illegal action to run rife, the word “corrupt” will show your audience how deep the problems are. It’s also a good tool to use if you want to portray how untrustworthy your society’s rulers of government are.
9. Wretched
Definition
To be of bad quality or condition. Or to describe an unpleasant situation.
Examples
“It’s a wretched society, and many still yearn for the good old days.”
“Even as the years passed, the wretched society remained unchanged.”
How it Adds Description
“Wretched” is a word that describes bad quality or conditions, without nasty connotations. The word “wretched” can make the readers feel sorry for the bad society, as if it’s not their fault for its state. Unlike stronger negative words, “wretched” will evoke some sympathy from your readers—a good device if your society has fallen into ruin or disrepair.
10. Heinous
Definition
To be evil or extremely bad.
Examples
“The heinous society reigned over the poor towns folk, despite their kind nature.”
“You couldn’t find a more heinous society, even if you looked in the depths of hell.”
How it Adds Description
Perhaps the strongest word on this list, “heinous”, is reserved for extremely horrible societies. If you’re crafting a world full of villains and injustice, “heinous” will let your readers know. This term can be used to emphasize the negative connotations of the society or it can be used to blatantly show your audience the terror. If you’re after a powerful adjective, “heinous” is a great option.