A vice is a bad habit or moral weakness that someone struggles with repeatedly. While everyone makes mistakes, a vice is a pattern of behavior someone keeps doing even though it causes problems. Common vices include lying, cheating, being cruel to others, or giving in too easily to temptation.

The word has long been used to describe character flaws that hold people back. Someone might say that procrastination is their vice, meaning they constantly put things off even though they know it causes problems. Another person might call gossiping their vice, recognizing they spread rumors even when they try not to.

Vice is often contrasted with virtue, which means good character and moral strength. Where virtues like honesty and courage can help someone, vices can hold them back.

In a completely different context, vice can also be used as a prefix meaning “second in command” or “deputy,” as in vice president. The vice president can act in place of the president when needed.