What characterizes something described as "egregious"?

The term "egregious" is often used to describe something that is glaringly bad or shocking, particularly in the context of wrongdoing or misconduct. When something is characterized as egregious, it suggests a level of severity or outrageousness that cannot be overlooked or ignored. This connotation is typically negative, emphasizing the extreme nature of the fault or error.

In the context of the other choices, the terms 'meritorious and commendable,' 'planned with meticulous attention,' and 'exceedingly precise and accurate' suggest positive characteristics, which contrasts sharply with the intrinsic meaning of "egregious." Thus, the choice that aligns with the definition of "egregious," highlighting its implication of being conspicuously and outrageously bad, is indeed the correct one.