insidious

[US]/ɪnˈsɪdiəs/
[UK]/ɪnˈsɪdiəs/
Frequency: Very High

Translation

adj. characterized by treachery or slyness, operating in a hidden or injurious way
adv. in a hidden or injurious manner, subtly or secretly
n. the state of being hidden or injurious, slyness

Example Sentences

insidious rumors; an insidious disease.

the insidious approach of age

tourism represents an insidious form of consumptive activity.

sexual harassment is a serious and insidious problem.

Organized crime has an insidious influence on all who come into contact with it.

Real-world Examples

The doctor found the insidious illness before she felt pain.

Source: New Concept English: Vocabulary On-the-Go, Book Three.

But he's also found a kind of insidious prejudice.

Source: Past years' graduate entrance exam English reading true questions.

Heartbreak is far more insidious than we realize.

Source: TED Talks (Audio Version) February 2018 Collection

The policy implies insidious dangers to the national economy.

Source: New Concept English Book Three Vocabulary Audio with Subtitles

Is it so insidious that I don't even recognize that it's happening?

Source: CNN 10 Student English April 2018 Compilation

They're looking to confront a more insidious threat, the rise of global temperatures.

Source: NPR News December 2015 Collection

These works are an indictment of racism, glaring or insidious, not a case of it.

Source: The Economist (Summary)

How insidious is this type of citation manipulation?

Source: Past exam papers of the English reading section for the postgraduate entrance examination (English I).

But there's a sequence before this one that already frames this grand promise as something more insidious.

Source: Deep Dive into the Movie World (LSOO)

But " creative" is often a red flag, a signpost marking an insidious trade-off.

Source: New York Times

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