bitterness

American  

[bit-er-nis] / ˈbɪt ər nɪs /

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.

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Other Word Forms

• overbitterness noun

Etymology

Origin of bitterness

bitter ( def. ) + -ness ( def. )

Example Sentences

However, a cabinet minister expressed hope that the bitterness of this morning would eventually mean things calm down.

From BBC

But the unbridled anger aimed by other Democrats at the eight is a sign of the partisan times and more bitterness to come heading into 2026.

From The Wall Street Journal

It rakes over the personalities, controversies and bitterness from his point of view.

From BBC

It’s intense with a touch of bitterness that’s not necessarily unappealing, but adds a layer of acidity that can be mellowed out with your favorite creamer, milk or sugar.

From Salon

But their pride is mixed with bitterness over their working conditions.

From Barron's

Related Words

• anguish
• hostility
• pain
• sarcasm