Resentment

/rɪˈzɛntmənt/

Meaning & Definition

noun

The state of being resentful.

Years of resentment can lead to a toxic work environment.

Bitterness or indignation at having been treated unfairly.

His resentment over the long hours he worked without recognition began to affect his performance.

A feeling of anger or displeasure about someone or something unfair.

She felt a deep resentment towards her colleague for getting the promotion she wanted.

A feeling of irritation or annoyance.

There was a lingering resentment in the group after the decision was made without their input.

A persistent feeling of hurt caused by a perceived injustice.

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.

bitterness

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

holding a grudge

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