Emotions / C1

ri-ZENTM-uh-nt/rɪˈzentmənt/

Resentment is bitter anger at unfair treatment: breed resentment, resentment towards. Resent is the verb. Anger is everyday and can be brief; resentment lingers. Resemblance is likeness — mix-up above. Do not use resentment for mild annoyance at a late bus.

Meaning

Bitter anger at being treated unfairly.

Examples

• “Unpaid overtime bred resentment, not loyalty.”
• “Unequal marking windows bred resentment between the two sites.”
• “Resentment sat in the corridor talk; the minutes still said “content”.”

Good to know

Lingering bitterness at unfairness. Verb: resent. Everyday brief: anger / annoyance. Mix-up: resemblance.

Near in meaning

bitterness

Topics

New