Vice

Yazar

03/01/2026

Return to > Dictionary

1. Definition + Rich Everyday Explanation

Vice (noun / prefix) = as noun: immoral or wicked behavior, especially a habitual bad habit or moral flaw; as prefix: deputy or second in command in titles.

The noun meaning is the everyday core — a bad habit or moral weakness people indulge in despite knowing better, like overeating sweets or holding grudges. It’s that tempting pull toward something harmful, often admitted with humor for small ones or judged harshly for serious ones.

This use dominates casual talk — “my vice is scrolling too long” feels relatable and self-aware. It carries a sense of human temptation, from light guilty pleasures to destructive patterns ruining lives. People use it to confess flaws lightly or criticize deeper immorality like greed.

As prefix, “vice” means deputy or substitute in official titles — the reliable second who steps in for the leader. This formal use is huge in news, politics, and organizations: vice president in debates, vice principal in schools. It signals hierarchy and backup authority.

Both meanings coexist — noun for personal struggles, prefix for professional roles — but noun feels more conversational while prefix dominates formal headlines.

Examples from the street:

“Coffee is my only vice” → light confession of a harmless addiction, said smiling
“The vice president defended the policy on TV” → deputy leader speaking officially in political debate
“Gambling was his vice and cost him everything” → serious destructive habit with regret

2. Most Common Patterns

vice + of + noun/gerund → the bad habit of doing something
someone’s vice → a person’s personal bad habit or flaw
vice + noun (president/principal/chairman) → deputy title role
give in to a vice → surrender to temptation or habit
the vice + noun → referring to the deputy position

3. Phrasal Verbs

Note: There are no common phrasal verbs directly containing “vice” — these are related expressions:

give in to → surrender to a bad habit or temptation
Example: “He gave in to his late-night snacking again.”
step in as → take over a deputy (vice) role temporarily
Example: “She stepped in as vice president during the crisis.”
indulge in → freely enjoy a guilty pleasure or habit
Example: “Don’t indulge in gossip — it’s a harmful pattern.”

4. Example Sentences

Procrastination remains my biggest vice.→ Delaying tasks continues as my primary troublesome tendency.
The vice of envy poisons many friendships.→ Jealousy as a flaw damages numerous close bonds.
The vice president attended the international summit.→ The deputy leader participated in the global meeting.
He couldn’t resist giving in to the vice of shopping.→ He failed to withstand the temptation for excessive buying.
The vice chairman led the discussion effectively.→ The board’s second-in-command directed the conversation well.
Laziness is a common vice among some workers.→ Idleness appears frequently as a typical weakness in certain employees.
Her only vice is watching too many series.→ Her sole guilty indulgence involves excessive show viewing.
The vice principal handled the parent complaints.→ The school’s assistant head managed family concerns.
Greed proves a destructive vice in business.→ Excessive desire for wealth creates harmful patterns in commerce.
He gave in to his vice and stayed up late gaming.→ He surrendered to his habit and played video games into the night.

5. Personal Examples

Skipping warm-ups can become a vice for students in group activities.→ Avoiding preparation exercises might turn into a harmful pattern during class interactions.
Relying on translation apps too much is a common vice that hinders real English progress.→ Overusing digital tools for conversion often serves as a typical weakness slowing genuine language advancement.