What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
bane
Example
The constant noise from construction work is the bane of my existence. [bane: noun]
Example
Her allergies are the bane of her life, making it difficult for her to enjoy outdoor activities. [bane: noun]
scourge
Example
The pandemic has been a scourge on the global economy, causing widespread job losses. [scourge: noun]
Example
Corruption is a scourge that plagues many developing countries, hindering their progress. [scourge: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Bane is more commonly used than scourge in everyday language. Bane is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while scourge is less common and tends to be used in more formal or literary contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between bane and scourge?
While bane is typically associated with a casual and informal tone, scourge is more formal and less frequently used in casual conversation.
