acrimonious relationship

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "acrimonious relationship" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a relationship characterized by bitterness, hostility, or resentment, often in personal or professional contexts. Example: "Their acrimonious relationship made it difficult for them to work together effectively on the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It was a very acrimonious relationship".

The New York Times

I have tried to avoid having an acrimonious relationship.

The New York Times

He has an acrimonious relationship with many American leaders.

The New York Times

An acrimonious relationship with Patriots ownership led to Parcells's departure soon after the Super Bowl.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Those conditions, combined with Lowe's acrimonious relationship with his final staff supervisor, Capt.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Furthermore, his acrimonious relationship with authorities in his coastal Shandong province hometown is far from over.

The Guardian

"I get hammered because of this supposedly acrimonious relationship with teams," Boras said.

The New York Times - Sports

President Obama has had the most acrimonious relationship with Israel of any president in U.S. history.

The Washington Post

Since the construction authority was created, the two agencies have had an acrimonious relationship.

The New York Times

Hackers and virus writers can work together, but many have a competitive and acrimonious relationship.

The New York Times - Tech

Another is the acrimonious relationship between Tripoli and Beirut, which dates back more than 30 years.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing ongoing disputes, use "acrimonious relationship" to emphasize the persistent bitterness between parties. For instance, "Their acrimonious relationship, stemming from a business dispute, continued to affect their dealings years later."

Common error

While descriptive, "acrimonious relationship" can sound overly dramatic in formal business reports or academic papers. Opt for more neutral terms like "strained relations" or "contentious partnership" unless you specifically want to highlight the intense negativity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "acrimonious relationship" functions primarily as a descriptive term. It combines the adjective "acrimonious", meaning bitter or harsh, with the noun "relationship", thereby defining a specific quality of that connection. Ludwig examples confirm its role in characterizing negative interpersonal or intergroup dynamics.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Encyclopedias

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Science

4%

Academia

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "acrimonious relationship" effectively describes a connection filled with bitterness and hostility. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and frequent use, predominantly in neutral or formal contexts such as News & Media and encyclopedias. While alternatives like "strained relations" or "contentious connection" exist, "acrimonious" emphasizes a deeper level of animosity. When writing, it's best to use this phrase when the negativity is pronounced, but be cautious of overuse in highly formal contexts where a more understated term may be appropriate. Consider that this phrase can appear overly dramatic in some contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

difficult rapport

Indicates a struggle to establish and maintain a positive connection.

strained relations

A more general term indicating tension and difficulty, without necessarily implying open animosity.

antagonistic dynamic

Focuses on the actively opposing forces at play within the relationship.

hostile partnership

Highlights the animosity present even within a formally collaborative setting.

embittered association

Suggests that the relationship has become tainted with resentment over time.

contentious connection

Emphasizes disagreement and argument as the primary characteristic of the link.

fractious alliance

Describes a formal agreement undermined by internal division and disagreement.

unharmonious bond

Emphasizes the lack of agreement and peaceful interaction.

bitter conflict

Focuses on the conflict itself rather than the relationship, suggesting active hostility.

discordant association

Highlights the lack of harmony and agreement within the group.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "acrimonious relationship" in a sentence?

Use "acrimonious relationship" to describe a connection marked by deep-seated bitterness and hostility. For example: "The "acrimonious relationship" between the two companies stemmed from years of legal battles."

What are some alternatives to "acrimonious relationship"?

You can use alternatives like "strained relations", "contentious connection", or "hostile partnership", depending on the specific context and the degree of negativity you want to convey.

What distinguishes "acrimonious relationship" from "difficult rapport"?

"Acrimonious relationship" implies a deeper level of bitterness and hostility, often rooted in past grievances. "Difficult rapport", on the other hand, suggests a struggle to connect positively, without necessarily implying pre-existing animosity.

When is it appropriate to use "acrimonious relationship" versus "strained relations"?

Use "acrimonious relationship" when the relationship is characterized by active bitterness and resentment. "Strained relations" is a more general term indicating tension, but not necessarily open hostility. Therefore, "acrimonious relationship" is best when emphasizing deep-seated negativity.