bitterness

[ bit-er-nis ]

noun

1. a harsh, acrid taste that is one of the four basic taste sensations; a taste that is not sour, sweet, or salty:

   The beer’s initial flavor profile is a faint bitterness, with a lingering, slightly cloying sweetness.

2. a feeling of pain or distress:

   The bitter herbs at a Passover Seder are meant to remind us of the bitterness of slavery.

3. a feeling of antagonism, hostility, or resentfulness:

   There was no shortage of people expressing frustration and bitterness about the slow pace of the relief efforts.

Other Words From

• o·ver·bit·ter·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of bitterness¹

bitter ( def ) + -ness ( def )

Example Sentences

To counteract the slight bitterness of the cocoa, Melton’s pumpkin pie filling also incorporates smooth, nutty tahini.

From Salon

Despite the affairs, the hurt and the accumulated bitterness over the years, the pair continued to make people laugh — and laugh at each other.

From Los Angeles Times

"I have no bitterness or anger left in me," he says, when I ask how he feels about the catfisher.

From BBC

This election represented a chance to "move past the bitterness, cynicism and divisive battles of the past", she said to loud cheers.

From BBC

But there was much bitterness and sorrow too.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• anguish
• hostility
• pain
• sarcasm