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

If Deadwyler had any lingering bitterness about the furor, or concerns about déjà vu with the building excitement about “The Piano Lesson,” it wasn’t in evidence when she bounded into a Beverly Hills hotel room recently, upbeat and lively.

From Los Angeles Times

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

Setting aside her biographical highlights and policy details, the message her campaign seems to want voters to have in mind on election day is one of contrasts – of division versus unity; bitterness versus hope; partisanship versus co-operation; past versus future.

From BBC

Loraine became low-level depressed and, as the months of the pandemic turned to years, tinged with bitterness.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• anguish
• hostility
• pain
• sarcasm