schadenfreude

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "schadenfreude" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the feeling of pleasure derived from someone else's misfortune. Example: "She felt a sense of schadenfreude when her rival failed to secure the promotion."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

As the draw unfolded, there were cheers and sharp inhales of breath in the room as Mexico drew Brazil, though any schadenfreude swiftly turned to groans as Honduras landed in the softer group of Switzerland, Ecuador and France, and the USA's last hopes of a softer landing faded.

The Guardian - Sport

In reaction to the regime's schadenfreude over the UK riots, the top British diplomat in Tehran, Jane Marriott, wrote a letter to Iran's foreign ministry saying Britain would be happy to talk about human rights.

The Guardian

Facebook Twitter Google plus Share Share this post Facebook Twitter Google plus close 6.15pm ET23:15 From the department of schadenfreude – CBS News has a mildly tedious tick-tock of Mitt Romney's reaction to defeat on Tuesday night: Romney was stoic as he talked to the president, an aide said, but his wife Ann cried.

The Guardian

It gives me no schadenfreude to say, it looks like the latter.

The Guardian - Film

Perhaps they even felt some schadenfreude.

The Guardian - Opinion

So now, Viacom can be forgiven a little schadenfreude.

The Economist

On November 9th Twitter and tech-news sites reverberated with schadenfreude and told-you-sos after Adobe Systems announced that it would, in effect, stop working on its Flash video player for smartphones and tablets.

The Economist

Members of Congress who take pride in their pro-life stance and appeal to family values have no excuse for inaction, and neither do any of us who share a firm commitment to these values.The rhetoric is custom-made for partisan schadenfreude: Catholics berating Catholics for selective application of "the pro-life stance", a central tenet of their faith.

The Economist

But no such schadenfreude can be found among fans of Canadian ice-hockey teams.

The Economist

The right word isn't schadenfreude, since that it is enjoyment of other people's sorrows; this is an enjoyable recollection of one's own.

The Economist

Untranslatable words, especially from big widely used languages, usually migrate untranslated: panache and schadenfreude are now English words, le weekend and das Briefing are embedded in French and German.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "schadenfreude" to precisely describe the complex emotion of taking pleasure in someone else's misfortune. It is more nuanced than simply saying someone is happy or pleased.

Common error

Avoid using "schadenfreude" to describe mild amusement or satisfaction. The term implies a deeper, often malicious, enjoyment of someone else's suffering, not just a casual observation.

Linguistic Context

Noun. "Schadenfreude" functions as a noun, referring to the feeling of pleasure, joy, or self-satisfaction that someone experiences when learning of or witnessing the troubles, failures, or humiliation of another. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a readily usable term in English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

"Schadenfreude" is a noun that describes the feeling of pleasure derived from someone else's misfortune. Ludwig AI validates its correct and usable status in English. The term is most commonly found in News & Media. Related phrases include "malicious joy" and "glee at another's misfortune". When using the term, it's important to remember that it indicates a strong, often malicious, enjoyment, rather than simple amusement. Knowing this helps you avoid misuse and effectively communicate the intended emotion.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

malicious joy

Emphasizes the intent behind the feeling, highlighting the delight in someone else's suffering.

glee at another's misfortune

Specifically points out the circumstance causing the joy, focusing on the misfortune itself.

delight in someone's suffering

Directly states the source of the pleasure, clarifying what the subject enjoys.

taking pleasure in others' failures

Broadens the scope to include various types of failure as the source of enjoyment.

gloating over someone's misfortune

Implies a more overt display of satisfaction, suggesting a public expression of joy.

rejoicing at another's downfall

Focuses on a significant setback or failure, indicating a more substantial misfortune.

finding amusement in others' troubles

Highlights the lighthearted aspect of the feeling, suggesting a less severe form of enjoyment.

satisfaction from someone else's pain

Emphasizes the emotional impact on the person experiencing misfortune, clarifying what provides satisfaction.

enjoyment of another's adversity

Highlights the challenging situation the other person is in.

epicaricacy

A more obscure and formal synonym for schadenfreude.

FAQs

What does "schadenfreude" mean?

"Schadenfreude" means taking pleasure in someone else's misfortune. It's a complex emotion that goes beyond simple satisfaction and involves a degree of malice or delight in another person's suffering.

How do I use "schadenfreude" in a sentence?

You can use "schadenfreude" to describe a feeling someone experiences when they witness another person's failure or setback. For example, "She couldn't help but feel a twinge of "schadenfreude" when her rival's project failed."

What are some synonyms for "schadenfreude"?

Synonyms for "schadenfreude" include "malicious joy", "glee at another's misfortune", and "delight in someone's suffering". These terms capture the essence of taking pleasure in someone else's misfortune.

Is "schadenfreude" a positive or negative emotion?

"Schadenfreude" is generally considered a negative emotion because it involves taking pleasure in another person's suffering. It is often associated with feelings of envy, resentment, or malice.