resentment

USAGE SUMMARY

'resentment' is a correct and usable word in written English.
It is a noun that means "a feeling of anger or displeasure resulting from a real or imagined wrong or insult." For example, "After being unfairly criticized, he felt a great resentment towards his boss."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Economically, tight state controls have fostered stagnation and popular resentment while hindering foreign investment.

The Guardian

On the streets of Dublin the mood regarding the economy, the cuts and "Eurogeddon" seems to be a mixture of burning resentment tinged with resignation.

The Guardian

Made in Dagenham makes an effort to deal with this as the strikers struggle to soothe the resentment of their male comrades, but this basic issue is fudged in the overlying story of the suicide of one striker's husband, not an event which has a historical precedent.

The Guardian

"There's no special backlash going on now, other than maybe the residual effect of resentment after 12 Years A Slave.

The Guardian

He is an attractive but not winsome character whose bemusement, resentment and perseverance are evident.

The Guardian - Film

These events caused deep resentment in other parts of Nigeria and created the impression that Jonathan ran a government that benefits those from his part of the country, the south, but not many others.

The Guardian

In the first months of this government, Labour's often-irrational rage towards Clegg fuelled his resentment towards them.

The Guardian - Opinion

Meanwhile, public sector unions are reporting deepening resentment, plummeting morale, mounting workloads and higher levels of stress and illness among staff who are complaining of increasing inspection and bureaucracy.

The Guardian

Nietzsche – whose Genealogy of Morals Fitzgerald greatly admired – called the transformation of class resentment into a moral system "ressentiment"; in America, it is increasingly called the failure of the American dream, a failure now mapped by the "Gatsby curve".

The Guardian - Books

The son of a doctor who helped pioneer the treatment of HIV, he was clearly upset at Nigel Farage's contemptible pre-election attempt to tap into resentment of foreign-born HIV-positive patients.

The Guardian - Opinion

The Logies are produced by Channel Nine and the final decisions about seating, presenters and entertainment rest with the host broadcaster, inevitably leading to some resentment from the other networks.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about "resentment", be specific about its cause to provide context and clarity. For instance, instead of saying "He felt resentment", specify "He felt resentment towards his colleague for taking credit for his work".

Common error

Avoid simply stating that someone feels "resentment" without delving into the root causes of the feeling. Exploring the triggers and complexities of the emotion provides a richer and more nuanced portrayal.

Linguistic Context

The word "resentment" functions primarily as a noun, denoting a feeling of indignant displeasure or persistent ill will at something regarded as a wrong. It describes a state of mind, as evidenced by Ludwig's examples showing it linked to situations causing anger and frustration.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "resentment" is a commonly used noun that describes a feeling of anger or displeasure stemming from a perceived wrong. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is grammatically sound and contextually versatile. While it frequently appears in news and media to describe societal or political discontent, it can also describe personal feelings. When using the term, it's important to provide context to explain the cause of "resentment". Alternatives like "bitterness", "indignation", and "rancor" offer similar but nuanced expressions. Understanding these nuances can enhance the precision and impact of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

rancor

Emphasizes deep-seated ill will and animosity.

bitterness

Focuses on the long-lasting, often deeply ingrained nature of the negative feeling.

grudge

Highlights the holding onto a past offense and the lingering negative feeling.

gall

Highlights the feeling of bitterness or resentment.

indignation

Highlights the feeling of righteous anger at perceived unfairness.

animus

Indicates a strong feeling of dislike or hostility.

ill will

Focuses on the negative feelings towards someone, often implying a desire for harm.

displeasure

A milder form, indicating dissatisfaction without necessarily implying anger.

exasperation

Focuses on the feeling of frustration and annoyance, often due to repeated occurrences.

umbrage

Highlights the feeling of offense or annoyance.

FAQs

How can I use "resentment" in a sentence?

You can use "resentment" to describe a feeling of anger or bitterness towards someone or something. For example, "Her "resentment" towards her unfair boss grew stronger each day".

What are some synonyms for "resentment"?

Alternatives for "resentment" include "bitterness", "indignation", or "rancor", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "a resentment"?

Yes, it is correct to use "a resentment", especially when referring to a specific instance or cause of resentful feeling. For instance, "a deep-seated "grudge"".

What's the difference between "resentment" and "disappointment"?

"Resentment" involves anger and bitterness, often due to perceived unfairness, while "disappointment" is a feeling of sadness or dissatisfaction when expectations are not met. You might feel "disappointment" when a plan is canceled, but "resentment" if you were deliberately excluded from the planning.