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bitterness

American  
[bit-er-nis] / ˈbɪt ər nɪs /

noun

  1. a harsh, acrid taste that is one of the four basic taste sensations; a taste that is not sour, sweet, or salty.

    The beer’s initial flavor profile is a faint bitterness, with a lingering, slightly cloying sweetness.

  2. a feeling of pain or distress.

    The bitter herbs at a Passover Seder are meant to remind us of the bitterness of slavery.

  3. a feeling of antagonism, hostility, or resentfulness.

    There was no shortage of people expressing frustration and bitterness about the slow pace of the relief efforts.


Other Word Forms

Etymology

Origin of bitterness

bitter ( def. ) + -ness ( def. )

Vocabulary lists containing bitterness

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Bitterness can indicate the presence of toxins in potential foods, and animals long ago honed the ability to ferret out harsh tastes.

From Science Magazine • Nov. 12, 2023

Bitterness in the right place, with a full beery back.

From Washington Post • Mar. 28, 2023

Bitterness also helps cleanse our palates; in a way, it's like taking a whiff of coffee beans in between wines during a tasting.

From Salon • Jan. 27, 2023

Bitterness over the way he was consistently ripped by media and fans?

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 16, 2022

Bitterness eats away at my insides, turning the food in my stomach into lead.

From "Finding Junie Kim" by Ellen Oh