resentful

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "resentful" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a feeling of bitterness or indignation towards someone or something perceived as unfair. Example: "After being overlooked for the promotion, she felt resentful towards her colleagues who were chosen instead."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In those parts of the world historically resentful of western domination, resistance to equal marriage – and to gay and lesbian rights – has, if anything, grown in reaction.

The Guardian - Opinion

"When you look back, do you feel bitter and resentful about what happened to her - bitter and resentful on her behalf?" The answer was conclusive.

The Guardian

My father was rather resentful that I'd nip upstairs, leaving him in the kitchen.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Minorities within nation-states frayed by global capitalism are naturally more resentful of hollowed-out but still heavily centralised systems of political and economic domination.

The Guardian - Opinion

Fed by images and messages on social media and discovering that they are far cleverer than the ragged clutch of paper qualifications by which the rest of us will judge them for the rest of their lives, they have grown resentful at why older generations seem happy to tolerate inequality in an affluent land.

The Guardian - Opinion

It would be a tragedy if the new system of government you are creating for London were to fall into the hands of a Tory mayor because of a backlash among Londoners resentful at being told who they could or could not vote for.

The Guardian

No wonder Cameron is rapidly seeking to concede greater powers to resentful English regions and threatening English-votes-only sessions of parliament.

The Guardian

Its starting point was a piece of IPPR research that confirmed the increase in English residents identifying themselves as English rather than British, and found that those who do are more likely to be anti-European, resentful of the Scots and inclined towards Ukip.

The Guardian - Opinion

She said the public wanted the government to listen to them and if the government did not explain properly the need for fiscal restraint "they will understandably be confused and resentful".

The Guardian

"Some people are grateful we're here, others are just angry and resentful about what happened," Barlow said, nodding.

The Guardian - Film

Claire knew that, otherwise, she'd end up resentful.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "resentful" to describe a feeling of indignation or ill-will caused by a sense of having been wronged or unfairly treated. Ensure the context clearly indicates the source or cause of the resentment.

Common error

Avoid vague phrasing that doesn't specify what or whom the subject is "resentful" of. Be specific to ensure clarity and avoid misinterpretations. For example, instead of saying "they were resentful", specify "they were resentful of the new policies".

Linguistic Context

The word "resentful" functions primarily as an adjective. It modifies nouns by describing a state of feeling or expressing resentment. Ludwig examples show it describing people, regions, and even abstract concepts like "systems" as being in a state of resentment.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "resentful" is a grammatically correct and widely used adjective that describes a state of feeling bitterness or indignation, usually stemming from a perceived injustice. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for use in various contexts, ranging from news reports to personal narratives. While it is most frequently found in news and media, it also appears in formal and scientific contexts. When using "resentful", ensure that the cause of the resentment is clear to avoid ambiguity. Consider alternatives like "bitter" or "indignant" to fine-tune the emotional nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

embittered

Implies a deep-seated and long-lasting resentment.

bitter

Focuses more on the feeling of disappointment and disillusionment.

indignant

Emphasizes a sense of righteous anger at perceived injustice.

aggrieved

Highlights the feeling of being wronged or unfairly treated.

disgruntled

Suggests a state of dissatisfaction and unhappiness.

displeased

Indicates a mild form of dissatisfaction or disapproval.

irked

Denotes a feeling of annoyance or irritation.

chagrined

Expresses a feeling of embarrassment or disappointment at having failed or been humiliated.

peeved

Suggests a state of being slightly annoyed or irritated.

malcontent

Describes a person who is chronically dissatisfied and rebellious.

FAQs

How can I use "resentful" in a sentence?

You can use "resentful" to describe someone feeling bitterness or indignation towards a person, situation, or object they perceive as unfair. For example: "She felt "resentful" after being passed over for the promotion.".

What's a less intense synonym for "resentful"?

If you want to convey a milder feeling, consider using words like "displeased" or "irked". These suggest annoyance without the strong negative connotations of "resentful".

What's the difference between "resentful" and "bitter"?

"Resentful" implies a feeling of anger or indignation towards something specific, while "bitter" suggests a more generalized feeling of disappointment and disillusionment. You might be "resentful" of a particular decision, but "bitter" about your life in general.

What are common causes of someone feeling "resentful"?

People often feel "resentful" due to perceived injustices, such as being treated unfairly, overlooked for opportunities, or burdened with undue responsibilities. These situations can lead to a "resentful" attitude towards the perceived source of the injustice.