meanness

[ meen-nis ]

noun

1. the state or quality of being mean.
2. a mean act:

   to answer meannesses with forgiveness.

Word History and Origins

Origin of meanness¹

First recorded in 1550–60; mean ² + -ness

Example Sentences

To the millions who greedily gobbled up scuttlebutt about her legendary meanness over the years, this is far from a news flash.

From Salon

Walz should do everything he can to make Vance look like a wannabe of meanness and aggression looking for the narcissistic father’s approval.

From Slate

He added: “I never want people to think I have a hint of malice or meanness towards anyone, ever, that’s why I’m saying all this.”

From Los Angeles Times

The Democrats, no longer on the perpetual defense, would embrace the themes of joy and being happy warriors in defense of democracy against the meanness, fascism, cruelty, and yes evil, of Donald Trump, the MAGAfied Republicans, and the larger neofascist movement.

From Salon

For every set, though, walls were never moved for the camera’s sake, “so you’re true to the claustrophobia,” says Gropman, and in the case of the dingy New York SRO, “the meanness of that space.”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• avarice
• greed
• malice