vindictiveness

American  

[vin-dik-tiv-nis] / vɪnˈdɪk tɪv nɪs /

noun

1. a vengeful character or quality; a spirit of revenge.

   Grudges, vindictiveness, jealousies, and so on are part of being human, but must be separated from hiring decisions.

---

Other Word Forms

• unvindictiveness
  noun

---

Etymology

Origin of vindictiveness

vindictive ( def. ) + -ness ( def. )

---

Explanation

Vindictiveness is a strong desire to get back at someone. People who hold grudges and seek revenge are full of vindictiveness. If someone steps on your toe, and you put on boots to stomp back, you’re full of vindictiveness. Use the noun vindictiveness to describe the need for vengeance, or the urge to retaliate against someone who's done you wrong. If you can’t let go of the anger that comes from being mistreated or hurt and you’re plotting revenge, you’re full vindictiveness. At the heart of vindictiveness is the Latin root word vindicta, which means "revenge."

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

vindictiveness

Notably, the show didn’t hook viewers with sex or other salacious material but, rather, plausible portrayals of greed and motivating vindictiveness.

From Salon ● Jul. 19, 2026

“The evidence of vindictiveness in this matter is overwhelming,” the lawyers wrote, noting that top officials have publicly described Brennan as a criminal before even bringing charges.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 1, 2026

Speaking to BBC South East on Friday, Paul Hollywood said: "The vindictiveness from the locals towards the family who have been here 18 years is unforgivable."

From BBC ● Aug. 16, 2024

“It is not prosecutorial vindictiveness to continue a case after a deal has been rejected,” McCrae writes.

From Seattle Times ● Aug. 28, 2023

But they did hold on, and as the war trailed drearily on, vindictiveness toward the stubborn stand of the seceding states grew steadily more bitter in the North.

From "Across Five Aprils" by Irene Hunt

Random Word

Spin the wheel and learn a new word!

---