vendetta

USAGE SUMMARY

"vendetta" is a correct and usable word in written English.
It is a noun which means a prolonged and bitter quarrel usually between two families, clans, or nations. Example sentence: "The long-standing vendetta between the two families eventually resulted in a violent confrontation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Ali Bell is a heroine born from grief and a burning vendetta, and learns that to be a bad-ass all you need to do is believe in the power you have inside of you, and never let anybody persuade you otherwise.

The Guardian

"The union commission is very much a pursuit of a political vendetta.

The Guardian

Anwar, who was freed on bail after spending the night in prison, told reporters that police should not use the allegation "as a personal vendetta against me", but added: "Mind you, they have no case against me".

The Guardian

The plot was apparently hatched by Christie's aides as a political vendetta, possibly because Fort Lee's Democratic mayor would not endorse the Republican governor's November re-election campaign.

The Guardian

While it's unlikely that the beer exchanges, shall we call them, will be the game-changer, the Kochs may well end up driving many of us to drink with their relentless and futile vendetta to undo the law – not just the college students.

The Guardian - Opinion

These would have been held in an "environment full of oppression, hatred and vendetta", said the Building and Development Party, which is Islamist.

The Economist

Ditching the cases against League leaders while proceeding with those against the Zias looks like Bangladeshi politics as usual: the family vendetta disguised as a two-party system.In this section Anarchy in the UK Central bankers to the rescue?

The Economist

Next week he plans to seek a judicial review of a parliamentary report exonerating Michael Howard, the home secretary, of receiving bribes.This extraordinary vendetta has been fuelled by bitter resentment.

The Economist

His supporters say that the court's ruling is part of a judicial vendetta against him.

The Economist

One defence lawyer talks of a "climate of vendetta" against opponents of the prime minister, Sheikh Hasina.

The Economist

While Mr Fonseka received a full pardon for the first of these cases, he could still be imprisoned on the second.Mr Fonseka maintains he has been made the victim of a vendetta.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "vendetta", be mindful of the intensity and seriousness the word conveys. It is most appropriate for situations involving significant harm or injustice, not trivial matters.

Common error

Avoid using "vendetta" to describe minor disagreements or one-time conflicts. A "vendetta" implies a sustained and escalating cycle of revenge, not just a single dispute. For simple disagreements, use terms like "argument", "dispute", or "conflict" instead.

Linguistic Context

The word "vendetta" functions primarily as a noun, denoting a prolonged and bitter quarrel, often involving reciprocal acts of revenge. It describes an ongoing state of conflict, as evidenced by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Formal & Business

8%

Science

7%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "vendetta" is a grammatically correct noun that describes a prolonged and bitter quarrel, typically involving cycles of revenge. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. Its frequency is very common, especially in news and media contexts. When using "vendetta", ensure the context aligns with its serious and retaliatory implications, distinguishing it from simple disagreements. Related terms include "blood feud" and "bitter rivalry". Understanding these nuances allows for precise and impactful communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

blood feud

Focuses specifically on familial or clan-based revenge cycles.

long-standing feud

Underscores the extended duration of the conflict.

sustained animosity

Emphasizes the prolonged and deeply rooted hostility.

campaign of revenge

Suggests a deliberate and organized effort to exact retribution.

retribution campaign

Implies organized and methodical acts of revenge.

personal quarrel

Emphasizes the personal nature of the dispute.

implacable hatred

Highlights the intensity and persistence of the negative emotions.

bitter rivalry

Highlights the competitive and antagonistic nature of the relationship.

cycle of violence

Points to the repetitive and escalating nature of the conflict.

ongoing dispute

Focuses on the continuous and unresolved nature of the conflict.

FAQs

How can I use the word "vendetta" in a sentence?

You can use "vendetta" to describe a prolonged and bitter feud. For example: "The families engaged in a brutal "blood feud", a "vendetta" that spanned generations."

What's the difference between a "vendetta" and a "feud"?

While both terms refer to prolonged conflicts, a "vendetta" specifically implies a cycle of revenge, where each action provokes a retaliatory response. A "feud" might encompass a broader range of disputes without necessarily involving direct retaliation.

What can I say instead of "vendetta"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as ""blood feud"", "bitter rivalry", or "long-standing feud".

Is "vendetta" appropriate for describing political disagreements?

Yes, "vendetta" can describe political disagreements if they involve a sustained and retaliatory campaign against an opponent. However, be mindful that it carries a strong connotation of personal animosity and should be used when the conflict goes beyond mere policy differences. Terms like "political quarrel" or "political rivalry" may be more neutral.