vindictive

USAGE SUMMARY

'vindictive' is a correct and usable word in written English.
You can use it to mean "exhibiting, characterized by, or showing a strong or unreasoning desire for revenge." For example: After being wronged by his former employee, the boss became vindictive and refused to provide a reference.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"They make her look like an obsessed, vindictive shrew," Ford says.

The Guardian - Business

He said Jock's behaviour in prison had been "exemplary under extreme provocation" and he accused Bulgarian authorities of being "capricious" and "vindictive".

The Guardian

It isn't necessarily vindictive: it's partly the legacy of the demise of local newspapers; the result of cuts to national newspapers that have left journalists increasingly chained to their desks; and the fact that many of our top hacks – over half of whom went to private schools – may as well have grown up on a different planet.

The Guardian - Opinion

"This vindictive and unprecedented assault marks a new low in Mr Abbott's ideological attack on the rights and conditions of Australian workers".

The Guardian

A prime example is Stan Valchek, the commander of the south-eastern district, who ends season five one of the few Wire winners despite being repeatedly exposed as vindictive, devious and incompetent.

The Guardian

In what appears to be an extraordinary act of vindictive destruction, a lifetime's work in Hungary has been destroyed in only a few months.

The Guardian

"We are happy to reject anger and endless conflict, because we don't believe in chaos and disorder … Wretched are those who are vindictive and spiteful," he said in a public sermon.

The Guardian

They thought he was a faithless husband, she was scary and vindictive – and many have a knee-jerk dislike of all public figures anyway.

The Guardian - Opinion

Mr Calderón's crackdown on Mexico's vindictive criminals has given him a personal reason to stay on good terms with the new government, to make sure of the protection he and his family will need when he leaves office.Fighting on two frontsMr Peña's main problem in Congress may well be his own party.

The Economist

Hounding UNM local officials and trying to evict the president from his gaudy new palace, saying that it is too costly, is vindictive.

The Economist

It can range from currency instability, vindictive regulation, curbs on remitting cash back home and production disturbances to sanctions or even nationalisation.Yet none of the recent geopolitical turmoil has had much impact on firms or financial markets.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the intensity of the situation before using "vindictive"; it carries a stronger negative connotation than simply 'assertive' or 'defensive'.

Common error

Avoid confusing "vindictive" with "victimized". "Vindictive" describes someone seeking revenge, while "victimized" describes someone who has been harmed or unfairly treated. Ensure your word choice reflects the correct role and action.

Linguistic Context

The adjective "vindictive" primarily functions to describe a noun (person, action, or entity) as having or showing a strong or unreasonable desire for revenge. Ludwig AI confirms that this usage is correct and well-supported by numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "vindictive" is an adjective used to describe someone who shows a strong desire for revenge. As Ludwig AI confirms, this word is grammatically correct and frequently used, particularly in News & Media. When writing, remember that "vindictive" carries a strong negative connotation and should be used carefully to accurately reflect the intent and intensity of the situation. Alternatives like "vengeful" or "spiteful" might be suitable depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

vengeful

Direct synonym emphasizing a desire for revenge.

revengeful

Similar to vengeful, highlighting the act of taking revenge.

spiteful

Focuses on acting out of spite or malice.

malicious

Emphasizes the intent to do harm.

resentful

Highlights the feeling of bitterness and ill will.

bitter

Describes a state of deep-seated anger and resentment.

rancorous

Suggests a deeply embittered and resentful attitude.

retaliatory

Focuses on the act of retaliation or payback.

unforgiving

Highlights the unwillingness to pardon or excuse offenses.

acrimonious

Describes bitterness in feeling or manner.

FAQs

How to use "vindictive" in a sentence?

You can use "vindictive" to describe someone who has a strong desire for revenge. For example, "After being cheated, the businessman became "vindictive" and sought to ruin his competitor."

What can I say instead of "vindictive"?

You can use alternatives like "vengeful", "spiteful", or "malicious" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct, "vindictive actions" or "vindictive reactions"?

"Vindictive actions" and "vindictive reactions" are both grammatically correct, but "vindictive actions" is more common. Use whichever best fits the context of your sentence.

What's the difference between "vindictive" and "vengeful"?

Both "vindictive" and "vengeful" describe a desire for revenge, but "vindictive" suggests a more persistent and spiteful nature, while "vengeful" simply implies a desire to get even.