Meanness

/ˈmiːn.nəs/

Meaning & Definition

noun

a disposition to be unfavorable and unkind.

There was a certain meanness in the way he spoke to his employees.

the quality of being unkind or spiteful.

Her meanness towards her classmates made her unpopular.

lack of generosity or nobility.

The meanness of his actions was evident when he refused to help those in need.

stinginess or unwillingness to spend money.

His meanness prevented him from treating his friends to dinner.

Middle English 'menenes', from the root of 'mean', related to Old English 'gemæne' meaning 'common'.

a mean streak

A tendency to act in a cruel or unfair manner.

mean-spirited

Characterized by a lack of kindness or compassion.

mean as a snake

Very unkind or cruel.

mean

Unkind, spiteful, or selfish.

malice

The intention or desire to do evil or cause injury.

stingy

Unwilling to share or spend money; miserly.

Mean as dirt

He's as mean as dirt; he never shares anything.

Cold-hearted

Don’t be so cold-hearted; that’s just mean.