'vileness' originates from Old French, specifically the word 'vilain,' where 'vil' meant 'base' or 'low.'

'vilain' transformed into the Middle English word 'vileyn,' and eventually became the modern English word 'vile' and its noun form 'vileness.'

Initially, it meant 'low or base in nature,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'morally bad or wicked.'