Meanness: meaning, definitions and examples

Refers to the quality of being unkind, cruel, or stingy. Often used to describe someone's overall unpleasant behavior.

• His meanness towards his employees made him very unpopular.
• The meanness in her words couldn't be ignored.

This is used when referring to someone inflicting physical or emotional pain on others intentionally. It can be a pattern of behavior or a specific act.

• The cruelty shown to the animals was heartbreaking.
• Her cruelty toward her siblings was evident in her harsh words.

Refers to the quality of being not kind. It is often used in less severe situations than 'cruelty' and 'meanness', but it still indicates negative behavior.

• Her unkindness towards strangers was surprising.
• The unkindness in his tone made her feel unwelcome.

Describes the intention to do harm or act with spite. It often involves planning or a deliberate effort to cause harm.

• He spoke with such malice that it left everyone speechless.
• The letter was written with clear malice.

Meanness is typically used to describe someone who is unkind or cruel, especially in their behavior or attitude towards others.

• Her meanness was evident when she refused to help her friend in need.
• He showed meanness by making fun of others for no reason.

Selfishness is used when someone acts in their own interest without considering others. It's often associated with putting oneself first at the expense of others.

• His selfishness was clear when he ate the last piece of cake without offering to share.
• She showed selfishness by ignoring her friends’ needs to focus on her own desires.

Greediness refers to an excessive desire for more, especially wealth or material possessions. It's often used in contexts involving money or resources.

• His greediness led him to take more than his fair share of the profits.
• The company's greediness was evident in their unfair worker wages.

Pettiness is used to describe trivial or small-minded behavior, often focusing on insignificant details in a way that is seen as spiteful or mean.

• Her pettiness was obvious when she complained about the smallest mistakes.
• He was known for his pettiness, always pointing out minor flaws in others.