Bitterness

/ˈbɪtərnəs/

Meaning & Definition

noun
The quality or state of being bitter; sharpness of taste; the presence of a hostile or resentful attitude.
Her bitterness towards her former colleague was evident in every conversation.
A feeling of deep anger or resentment.
The bitterness he felt after losing the election lingered for years.
A harsh or unpleasant flavor or smell.
The bitterness of the burnt coffee was too strong to enjoy.

Etymology

Middle English: from bitternesse, from bitter.

Common Phrases and Expressions

sweeten the bitterness
To alleviate the negative effects of a bitter situation.
bitterness of life
The difficult and painful aspects of existence.
hold onto bitterness
To maintain feelings of resentment.

Related Words

bitter
Having a sharp, pungent taste or smell; not sweet.
resentment
Bitter indignation at having been treated unfairly.
acrimony
Bitterness or ill feeling.

Slang Meanings

Bitter beer face
He made a bitter beer face after tasting the unsweetened brew.
Bitter end
He saw the relationship through to the bitter end, despite the difficulties.