invidious

USAGE SUMMARY

The correctly spelled word "invidious" is an adjective which means causing or tending to cause discontent, animosity, or envy.
It is used in written English. Example: His invidious comments about the team's performance were resoundingly met with criticism.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Such generalisations are invidious.

The Economist

Brown, who was under some pressure anyway at the start of his second season since succeeding Ashley Giles at Edgbaston, was left in an invidious position as Warwickshire accommodated Jonathan Trott's wishes to come straight back to first-class cricket, four months after his abrupt departure from England's Ashes tour.

The Guardian - Sport

So that would mean trusting some countries and not others, I suggest: an invidious choice for a court to make.

The Guardian

And, lest I forget, or anyone else forgets, the only reason Sabey is in this invidious position is because the evidence against him was handed to the police by his employers, Rupert's Murdoch's News Corporation.

The Guardian

Given a history in which invidious distinctions were used as instruments of oppression, it is natural to ask whether an exhibition defined by race just perpetuates an outmoded way of thinking.

The Economist

In particular, the attitudes of boys to girls and girls to their own bodies: Page 3 supplies invidious comparators and narrow, retrograde stereotypes.The paper itself seems to understand that tits are not for kids, and drops them in its family-friendly weekend editions.

The Economist

In 1899 Thorstein Veblen, an economist, described the economic necessity of efficient leisure to a society where conspicuous consumption, leisure, and other "emulative or invidious comparisons" had replaced hereditary emblems of status.

The Economist

But if the voluntary approach is ineffective, compulsion is an invidious alternative.

The Economist

"Being both a principal and an agent is mutually reinforcing," he says.Perhaps, but these days making a fortune can be as invidious as losing one.

The Economist

As Pietro Nivola of the Brookings Institution writes, "Whatever our sprawling suburbia's multiple shortcomings, weighing them requires a reality test, not an invidious comparison with Utopia .America's demographic challenge provides that test.

The Economist

As with NATO's enlargement, this will involve invidious choices.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When employing "invidious", consider the emotional impact of the comparison or distinction you're describing. Is it likely to cause envy, resentment, or a sense of injustice? If so, "invidious" is a suitable choice.

Common error

Avoid misspelling "invidious" as "invidual". "Invidious" refers to something causing resentment or envy, while "individual" refers to a single person or thing. The two words have entirely different meanings.

Linguistic Context

The adjective "invidious" primarily functions to qualify nouns, describing them as tending to cause discontent, animosity, or envy. As indicated by Ludwig AI, the term is used in written English to denote something unpleasant and potentially offensive. Examples from Ludwig highlight its use in describing comparisons or actions that are unfairly discriminatory or likely to provoke resentment.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

28%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "invidious" is an adjective used to describe something that is likely to cause resentment or envy due to being unfairly discriminatory or offensive. As highlighted by Ludwig AI, the term is correctly used in written English. It commonly appears in news and media and scientific contexts, reflecting a neutral to formal tone. When writing, it's important to differentiate it from "individual" and employ it to accurately convey distinctions or comparisons that are not only unfair but also carry the risk of provoking negative emotions. By avoiding "invidious" comparisons, one can foster fairness and prevent discord.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

discriminatory

Focuses specifically on unfair treatment or bias.

offensive

Highlights the quality of causing displeasure or resentment.

unjust

Emphasizes the lack of fairness and righteousness.

resentment-inducing

Directly describes the action of causing resentment.

obnoxious

Indicates something highly disagreeable or offensive.

odious

Stresses the quality of being extremely unpleasant or repulsive.

undesirable

Points out that something is not wanted or welcome.

distasteful

Suggests something unpleasant or disagreeable to one's taste.

disagreeable

Indicates something not to one's liking or causing discomfort.

unpleasant

Simply describes something not enjoyable or agreeable.

FAQs

How to use "invidious" in a sentence?

You can use "invidious" to describe comparisons or distinctions that are unfair and cause resentment. For example, "The company's promotion policy created "invidious distinctions" between employees".

What does "invidious" mean?

"Invidious" means likely to cause resentment or envy; unfairly discriminating or offensive.

What can I say instead of "invidious"?

You can use alternatives like "discriminatory", "offensive", or "unjust" depending on the context.

Is it better to avoid making "invidious" comparisons?

Yes, avoiding "invidious" comparisons can help prevent feelings of resentment or unfairness. Strive for equitable treatment and avoid drawing distinctions that may cause discord.