meanness

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'meanness' is correct and usable in written English.
It is a noun that refers to being unkind or behaving in an unkind way. Example sentence: His meanness towards others made him unpopular.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

As was once said of Ronald Reagan in the early 1980s, he seems so nice that people are convinced he "doesn't mean his meanness".

The Economist

That means we must sometimes witness cheating, meanness or greed.

Independent

There is no advice about how to cope if set upon by 16-odd stone of extreme meanness.

The Guardian - Sport

Perhaps the supreme example of this meanness is that the budget announced changes to the indexation of the aged pension, the disability support pension and the single parents' payments.

The Guardian - Business

And finally, the meanness of the budget points to a broader picture – one where everyone is expected to pay.

The Guardian - Business

Long accused of wrecking small-town America and condemned for the stinginess of its pay, the company has lately come under fire for its meanness over employees' health-care benefits.

The Economist

He argued that the "outpouring of feeling is the moral and emotional equivalent of the recent election a repudiation of the regime of meanness which existed from 1979 we were all members of the 'constituency of the rejected' .This argument makes a number of distinctly questionable assumptions.

The Economist

"To defend himself, man refines the meanness of his heart," she observes.

The Economist

At the age of 95 he turned up at his old university in Canberra to protest against the federal government's meanness to academe.

The Economist

This sells well not just electorally but also in the market for opinion: there may be a recession in publishing but there is no downturn in anti-market tomes with titles such as "The Judas Economy", "The Triumph of Meanness", "The End of Opportunity" or "The State of Our Misery" (we made that last one up).

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

He not only recorded his major infidelities and weaknesses; he put down all those little meannesses of thought and conduct of which all men are guilty but few admit, even to themselves.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "meanness" to describe a general lack of generosity or kindness, especially in situations involving resources or emotions. Be mindful of the context, as "meanness" can range from simple stinginess to outright cruelty.

Common error

Avoid using "meanness" interchangeably with stronger terms like "cruelty" or "malice" if the intent isn't to inflict significant harm. "Meanness" often implies pettiness or a lack of generosity rather than malicious intent.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "meanness" is as a noun. It typically acts as a subject or object in a sentence, representing the quality or state of being mean, as highlighted by Ludwig. For example, "The "meanness" of the budget points to a broader picture."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Encyclopedias

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "meanness" functions as a noun that describes a lack of generosity or kindness. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage and suitability across various contexts. It is frequently employed in news and media, as well as encyclopedic entries, to express disapproval or criticism. While it is a versatile term, it's important to consider the specific nuance you wish to convey and avoid using it interchangeably with terms that imply a more severe intent, such as "cruelty". Consider alternative phrasing such as "unkindness", "stinginess", or "callousness" to provide further precision and achieve a higher impact in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unkindness

Focuses on the lack of kindness in behavior or attitude.

stinginess

Highlights the lack of generosity with money or resources.

cruelty

Emphasizes the intent to cause pain or suffering.

callousness

Focuses on the lack of empathy and emotional insensitivity.

spitefulness

Highlights the desire to harm or upset someone.

ill will

Refers to a feeling of animosity or hostility.

malevolence

Emphasizes a deep-seated desire to do evil.

heartlessness

Focuses on the lack of compassion or feeling.

lack of generosity

Highlights the absence of a giving or sharing nature.

petty behavior

Refers to small-minded and insignificant acts of unkindness.

FAQs

How can I use "meanness" in a sentence?

You can use "meanness" to describe a lack of kindness or generosity. For example, "The "meanness" of the policy was evident in its impact on the poor".

What are some synonyms for "meanness"?

Synonyms for "meanness" include "stinginess", "unkindness", and "callousness" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What is the difference between "meanness" and "cruelty"?

"Meanness" often implies a lack of generosity or pettiness, while "cruelty" suggests a deliberate intention to cause pain or suffering. Cruelty is generally considered a more severe form of unkindness.

Is "meanness" a formal or informal term?

"Meanness" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Its appropriateness depends more on the specific situation and the surrounding vocabulary than on its inherent formality.