egregious
UK: ɪˈɡriːdʒəs | US: ɪˈɡridʒəs
adj. outstandingly bad or shocking
adj. conspicuously offensive or reprehensible
The word "egregious" originates from Latin egregius, meaning "standing out from the flock" (e- "out" + greg- "flock"). Originally, it carried a positive connotation ("remarkably good"), but by the late 16th century, its meaning shifted ironically to "notably bad"—likely due to sarcastic or hyperbolic usage emphasizing something that "stands out" in a negative way. This semantic inversion mirrors similar shifts in words like "awful" (originally "awe-inspiring").
The politician made an egregious error during the debate.
The company was fined for its egregious violation of environmental laws.
Her plagiarism was an egregious breach of academic integrity.
The judge condemned the defendant’s egregious misconduct.
Such egregious negligence cannot be tolerated in healthcare.