Which word signifies something that is conspicuously bad or offensive?

The term "egregious" is used to describe something that stands out in a negative way, particularly in terms of being remarkably bad or offensive. Its origin is rooted in the Latin word "egregius," which originally meant "distinguished" or "eminent," but it has taken on a more pejorative connotation in modern usage. When something is described as egregious, it suggests a degree of severity or outrageousness that is clearly evident and hard to overlook.

In contrast, the other options represent different concepts. "Dereliction" refers to a failure to fulfill a duty or responsibility, which does not inherently connote something offensive but rather denotes negligence. "Droll" describes something that is amusing in an odd or whimsical way, lacking any negative implication. Finally, "denizen" refers to an inhabitant or resident of a particular place, which has no association with being bad or offensive. Thus, "egregious" is distinctly the word that characterizes something notably offensive or bad.