resentment toward

USAGE SUMMARY

"resentment toward" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe negative feelings someone has about another person or group. For example, "John has a deep resentment toward his former boss for firing him."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Any resentment toward Julian has stayed hidden.

The New York Times - Sports

The Milanese resentment toward the Allies.

The New Yorker

Sweeney's resentment toward the league endured.

The New York Times - Sports

Their resentment toward the Kurdish soldiers simmered.

The New Yorker

"There definitely is resentment toward him".

The New York Times - Sports

Also prohibited is any promotion of resentment toward a race.

The New York Times

Maggie already bristles with resentment — toward officious administrators, men, religion.

The New York Times

Resentment toward theU.S. military has turnedinto frustration with thecentral government.

The New York Times

"Do you feel resentment toward me?" Maysles asked.

The New Yorker

"He's got a lot of resentment toward Democrats".

The New York Times

And he harbored no resentment toward his former partner.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "resentment toward", ensure the object of resentment is clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. For example, specify "resentment toward the company's new policies" instead of a vague "resentment."

Common error

Avoid using "resentment toward" when a milder term like "dislike" or "disapproval" is more appropriate. Resentment implies a strong, persistent negative emotion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "resentment toward" functions as a prepositional phrase, typically used to indicate the object or target of the feeling of resentment. It specifies who or what is being resented. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is a standard and acceptable construction in English, as seen in the numerous examples provided.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

95%

Formal & Business

2%

Science

1%

Less common in

Academia

1%

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "resentment toward" is a common and grammatically correct way to express negative feelings directed at a person, group, or thing. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability in English writing. It is most frequently found in news and media contexts, indicating its relevance in describing societal and political tensions. When using this phrase, ensure that the object of resentment is clear and that the intensity of the emotion matches the context. While alternatives like "ill will towards" and "antipathy for" exist, "resentment toward" specifically conveys a sense of bitterness and injustice. It's important to avoid overstating the emotion when a milder term is more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ill will towards

Replaces "resentment" with "ill will", maintaining a formal tone but softening the emotional intensity.

bitterness towards

Emphasizes a more prolonged and deeply rooted negative feeling than simple resentment.

antipathy for

Uses a more formal and somewhat weaker term "antipathy" to denote dislike.

hostility directed at

Shifts the focus to the active expression of negative feelings, implying open antagonism.

disaffection with

Implies a loss of positive feelings or loyalty, rather than active resentment.

grudge against

Highlights a persistent feeling of anger or bitterness held over time.

animus against

Introduces a more legalistic or formal term for deep-seated antagonism.

negative feelings about

Broadens the scope to encompass any kind of negative emotional response, not just resentment.

displeasure with

Expresses mild dissatisfaction or disapproval, a much weaker emotion than resentment.

aversion to

Indicates a strong dislike or unwillingness, which may or may not include resentment.

FAQs

How is "resentment toward" different from "anger toward"?

"Resentment toward" implies a lingering feeling of bitterness and injustice, while "anger toward" suggests a more immediate and potentially transient emotional response.

Can "resentment toward" be a positive emotion?

No, "resentment toward" is inherently negative. It describes a feeling of displeasure or indignation at something regarded as wrong or unfair.

What are some alternatives to using the phrase "resentment toward"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "ill will towards", "bitterness towards", or "antipathy for".

Is it grammatically correct to say "resentment for" instead of "resentment toward"?

While "resentment for" can be grammatically correct, it often implies a reason or cause for resentment, rather than the object of resentment. "Resentment toward" is more direct when indicating the target of the negative feeling.