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

Repeatedly, Marina is told she looks just like her mom, but the comment occasionally contains a trace of bitterness.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 1, 2026

The bitterness lingers all these years later: “The less competent or the less knowledgeable or intelligent members of the Senate were the ones that sunk him,” says Mr. Meese, who seldom speaks ill of anyone.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 30, 2026

But even before the tournament begins, he cannot hide his bitterness.

From Barron's • Jun. 7, 2026

But both he and Balda know how much medicine the audience can handle in their fluff before the bitterness overwhelms the sweet.

From Salon • May 17, 2026

“Good Heaven! what is to become of us? What are we to do?” would they often exclaim in the bitterness of woe.

From "Pride and Prejudice" by Jane Austen

Related Words

• anguish
• hostility
• pain
• sarcasm