Vindictiveness: meaning, definitions and examples

This word describes a general tendency or quality of wanting to seek revenge or cause harm. It has a strong negative connotation and is used to describe a harmful personality trait.

• His vindictiveness towards his former colleagues made him unpopular in the industry.
• She couldn't hide her vindictiveness after being betrayed by her friends.

This word implies a desire to harm or annoy others, usually out of petty malice rather than seeking justice or revenge. It's used in situations where the intention is to cause discomfort or minor harm.

• Her spitefulness showed when she spread rumors about her co-worker.
• Spitefulness can destroy relationships, even over minor disagreements.

This phrase refers to an individual's inherent characteristic of being revengeful or spiteful. It emphasizes the quality as a part of their personality and is typically used to describe someone consistently behaving in such a way.

• His vindictive nature made him a difficult person to deal with.
• People avoided her because of her notorious vindictive nature.

This word is used to describe someone who is specifically motivated by the desire to take revenge. It also carries a negative connotation and implies a deep, often personal, desire to get even.

• His revengefulness drove him to hatch elaborate plans against those who wronged him.
• You could see revengefulness in his eyes every time he spoke about his enemy.