a wave of resentment

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a wave of resentment" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a sudden and strong feeling of anger or bitterness that spreads among a group of people. Example: "After the decision was announced, there was a wave of resentment among the employees who felt overlooked."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

European champion Lutalo Muhammad, ranked 59 in the world, faced a wave of resentment after the decision to choose him for the Games.

Independent

Immediately after the fighting in Port Said, many Greeks left, fearing a wave of resentment that would extend to all Christians non-Egyptians.

The New Yorker

A wave of resentment against the elites is sweeping Europe, and in Britain this summer, as John Harris has written, we have seen a working-class revolt.

The Guardian

But other times, a wave of resentment welled within her, and she would describe being forced to eat on a dirty table from which chickens were allowed to feed.

The New York Times - Magazine

But what was startling about Phillips's comment was its note of satisfaction, even celebration: 1968 was a banner year for bitter grievance, and Nixon rode a wave of resentment to the White House.

The New Yorker

For now, the companies that have been indicted — and their Internet site addresses seized by the Justice Department — have stopped taking bets from players in the United States, generating a wave of resentment from the millions of players who turned to the games, many several times a day.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

At any given moment, America is riding a wave of fear, resentment and the certainty that it all can go away, just as long as we sign up for the Trump experience.

The Guardian - Opinion

But his contribution to the current bill was to serve as more of a political counterforce: five of the six Democratic committee chairmen primarily responsible for writing the current health legislation were first elected to the House in 1974, riding a wave of public resentment over the Watergate scandal.

The New York Times

But the first case — a Los Angeles police officer is found dead next to the body of a major drug dealer — brings Brenda a fresh wave of resentment from the dead officer's comrades, who are angered by her handling of the investigation.

The New York Times - Arts

The truth is, this was less a dramatic change of heart than the inevitable cresting of a rising wave of resentment toward my own hair.

The New York Times

Three innings later, the Yankees won the game on a home run by Aaron Boone, tormenting the famously loyal, but long-battered, legion of Red Sox fans and sparking a tidal wave of resentment in New England, almost all of it directed at Little.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a wave of resentment" to depict a collective and sudden increase in negative feelings, often triggered by a specific event or decision.

Common error

Avoid using "a wave of resentment" to describe individual feelings. This phrase is most effective when illustrating a collective or widespread sentiment.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a wave of resentment" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a surge or widespread feeling of bitterness or anger among a group of people, as evidenced by Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

3%

Science

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a wave of resentment" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase in English, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It is best used to describe a sudden and widespread feeling of bitterness or anger within a group, typically following a specific event. While suitable for formal writing, it is most frequently found in news and media contexts. Consider alternatives such as "a surge of bitterness" or "a tide of anger" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Avoid using the phrase to describe individual feelings; it is most effective when illustrating a collective sentiment. Be mindful of this distinction to ensure clarity and accuracy in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a surge of bitterness

Focuses on the intensity and suddenness of the feeling, using "bitterness" instead of "resentment".

a tide of anger

Emphasizes the overwhelming nature of the anger, similar to the imagery of a wave.

a groundswell of discontent

Suggests a growing feeling of dissatisfaction that is spreading among people.

a rising chorus of disapproval

Highlights the collective expression of negative opinions.

a flood of indignation

Conveys a sense of righteous anger and moral outrage.

an outbreak of animosity

Implies a sudden and often hostile expression of dislike or ill will.

a storm of protest

Suggests a turbulent and widespread expression of opposition or complaint.

a wave of opposition

Indicates resistance to a particular idea, policy, or action.

simmering resentment

Focuses on the latent aspect of the feeling, contrasting with the sudden impact of a wave.

deep-seated animosity

Emphasizes the entrenched and profound nature of the negative feeling.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "a wave of resentment" in a sentence?

Use "a wave of resentment" to describe a widespread and sudden increase in negative feelings within a group, often following a specific event. For example, "A wave of resentment swept through the office after the announcement of the new policies".

What are some alternatives to "a wave of resentment"?

You can use alternatives such as "a surge of bitterness", "a tide of anger", or "a groundswell of discontent" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "a wave of resentment" in formal writing?

Yes, "a wave of resentment" is suitable for formal writing, particularly in news articles or analytical reports where you need to describe collective negative sentiments. However, consider the specific context and audience to ensure it aligns with the overall tone.

What's the difference between "a wave of resentment" and "a feeling of resentment"?

"A wave of resentment" describes a collective and widespread sentiment, whereas "a feeling of resentment" refers to an individual's personal emotion. The former implies a larger-scale phenomenon, while the latter focuses on individual experience.