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.

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Other Word Forms

• overbitterness noun

Etymology

Origin of bitterness

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

Example Sentences

Tahini has a kind of quiet luxury to it — less sweet than nut butters, less showy, with a soft, earthy depth that can tip, just slightly, into bitterness in a way that feels intentional.

From Salon • Mar. 25, 2026

The raw bitterness displayed between the rivals underscores the challenge the companies will have working together.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 7, 2026

"Let the country's interests come first, regardless of political party or ambition. Let us move forward without hatred, resentment, or bitterness to build that wonderful Venezuela."

From BBC • Mar. 4, 2026

At the time, the board envisioned a power-sharing arrangement between the two Bobs, but it ultimately fueled bitterness.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 20, 2026

I’ve unleashed too much bitterness; the conversation is impossible to save with jokes now.

From "The Brightwood Code" by Monica Hesse

Related Words

• anguish
• hostility
• pain
• sarcasm