vicious

US /ˈvɪʃ.əs/

UK /ˈvɪʃ.əs/

1.

deliberately cruel or violent

:

•

The dog gave him a vicious bite.

•

He launched a vicious attack on his opponent.

:

brutal savage fierce cruel malicious

2.

denoting a problem or situation that is very bad or severe

:

•

The company is caught in a vicious cycle of debt.

•

The economy is facing a vicious downturn.

:

severe harsh fierce intense extreme

:

vicious circle