Choose the word opposite in meaning to the word - VIRTUOUS.

vicious

Here's why:

• Virtuous means morally good, having high moral standards, and characterized by honorable behavior.
• Vicious is the opposite of these qualities, meaning cruel, violent, and lacking in morality.

The other options are not direct opposites of "virtuous":

• Exemplary: This word actually means "serving as a model or pattern," often used to describe someone who is virtuous. It's not the opposite.
• Miserly: This describes someone who is excessively frugal or stingy, not immoral.
• Competent: This means being skillful or qualified, not related to moral character.