bitterness

[bit-er-nis]

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

• overbitterness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of bitterness¹

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

Example Sentences

Penelope’s bitterness about the recent collapse of her own fortunes grew tenfold.

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However, a cabinet minister expressed hope that the bitterness of this morning would eventually mean things calm down.

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But the unbridled anger aimed by other Democrats at the eight is a sign of the partisan times and more bitterness to come heading into 2026.

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It rakes over the personalities, controversies and bitterness from his point of view.

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It’s intense with a touch of bitterness that’s not necessarily unappealing, but adds a layer of acidity that can be mellowed out with your favorite creamer, milk or sugar.

Read more on Salon

Related Words

• anguish 
• hostility 
• pain 
• sarcasm