Meaning of the word vice in English

What does vice mean in English? Explore the meaning, pronunciation, and specific usage of this word with Lingoland.

vice

US /vaɪs/

UK /vaɪs/

immoral or wicked behavior

Example:

•

Gambling is considered a vice by many.

•

The city's vice squad targets prostitution and drug dealing.

Synonym:

immorality wickedness depravity corruption sin

Antonym:

virtue morality goodness

a metal tool with movable jaws that is used to hold an object firmly while work is done on it

Example:

•

He clamped the wood firmly in the vice before drilling.

•

The mechanic used a large vice to hold the engine part.

Synonym:

clamp grip vise (US)

a personal failing or bad habit

Example:

•

Smoking is his only real vice.

•

My biggest vice is probably eating too much chocolate.

Synonym:

failing shortcoming flaw habit addiction

Antonym:

strength virtue good habit

acting in place of; next in rank to

Example:

•

The vice president will attend the meeting in place of the president.

•

She was appointed vice-chair of the committee.

Synonym:

deputy assistant substitute acting