The word 恶劣 is formed by combining two characters that each convey a distinct aspect of severe negativity: 恶 (è), which carries the core meaning of "wicked" or "evil", and 劣 (liè), which means "inferior" or "of low quality". Their union is not merely additive but synergistic, creating a single concept where moral reprehensibility (恶) fuses with abject poorness or base inferiority (劣) to express a state or behavior that is profoundly vile, despicable, or harshly adverse, such as in "恶劣的行为" (vile conduct) or "恶劣的环境" (harsh environment).