Meaning & Definition of word "Resentment"

Resentment

/rɪˈzɛntmənt/

1. The state of being resentful.
- Example: Years of resentment can lead to a toxic work environment.
2. Bitterness or indignation at having been treated unfairly.
- Example: His resentment over the long hours he worked without recognition began to affect his performance.
3. A feeling of anger or displeasure about someone or something unfair.
- Example: She felt a deep resentment towards her colleague for getting the promotion she wanted.
4. A feeling of irritation or annoyance.
- Example: There was a lingering resentment in the group after the decision was made without their input.
5. A persistent feeling of hurt caused by a perceived injustice.
- Example: Her resentment bubbled to the surface during the discussion about their past disagreements.

From French 'ressentiment', from the verb 'ressentir', meaning 'to feel again'.

hold a resentment:

to keep feelings of anger or injustice in one's heart.

nourish resentment:

to allow feelings of resentment to grow stronger.

resentment builds up:

over time, negative feelings increase, often leading to conflict.

resent:

to feel bitterness or indignation at a circumstance.

grievance:

a real or imagined wrong or other cause for complaint or protest.

Meaning: bitterness

Example Sentence: He didn't just have resentment; he had bitterness about the entire situation.

Meaning: holding a grudge

Example Sentence: She is really just holding a grudge about what happened last year.