Spitefulness: meaning, definitions and examples

Use this word to describe a person's habitual tendency to be mean and seek revenge without any particular reason.

• Her spitefulness made it difficult for her to keep friends.
• The spitefulness in his actions was evident to everyone around.

This term is used to describe a desire to inflict harm or suffering on someone out of deep-seated ill will. It is often used in legal contexts.

• She acted out of pure malice, wanting to see him fail.
• The crime was committed with malice aforethought.

This word is usually used to indicate an action done with the intention of annoying or hurting someone, often perceived as petty.

• He threw away her flowers out of spite.
• In a fit of spite, she refused to go to his party.

This word describes a strong and persistent desire for revenge.

• His vindictiveness knew no bounds after the betrayal.
• She couldn't help her vindictiveness and sought to ruin his reputation.

This phrase refers to recurring actions that are deliberately meant to hurt or annoy someone.

• Their spiteful behavior makes the work environment very toxic.
• Sara's spiteful behavior towards her siblings caused constant conflicts.