Resentment: meaning, definitions and examples

Use this word when someone feels angry or upset due to unfair treatment. It often implies a lingering feeling that builds up over time.

• She felt a deep resentment towards her boss for not recognizing her hard work

Best used to describe a feeling of deep-seated anger and disappointment. It often implies that the person feels hurt and is holding a grudge.

• His bitterness towards his former friend was evident in his harsh words

This word is suitable when describing a strong and active dislike or hostility between people. It's often used to describe mutual feelings.

• There has always been animosity between the two rival football teams

This word works well when describing open antagonism or opposition. It can describe personal feelings or more general situations, like political hostility.

• The hostility between the two countries made diplomatic negotiations challenging

Resentment is a feeling of anger or displeasure about someone or something unfair. It is often used in situations involving perceived injustices or grudges that build up over time.

• She felt a deep sense of resentment towards her colleague for getting the promotion she deserved.
• The resentment between the two neighbors grew after years of disputes over their property line.

Enmity means a state of active opposition or hostility. It's often used to describe deep-seated, long-lasting animosity between individuals, groups, or entities.

• Decades of enmity between the two families ended with a peace agreement.
• The enmity between the rival companies prevented any possibility of a merger.

Antipathy refers to a strong feeling of dislike or aversion towards someone or something. It's used when describing a general and often immediate negative reaction.

• His antipathy towards spiders was evident every time he saw one.
• There was clear antipathy between the two political rivals.

Rancor is bitter, long-lasting resentment. It implies deep-seated ill will or aversion and is typically used in situations where the negative feelings have festered and grown over time.

• Despite their divorce years ago, there was still rancor in their interactions.
• The rancor in his voice was unmistakable as he spoke about his former boss.