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

To call him a good loser is simply untrue—though from what we can tell the bitterness was always directed inward.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 14, 2026

The rest of the band joins in as Ayewa calls for the listener to look up to a world above war, bitterness, and division.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 31, 2026

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

"Every trace of hatred, of resentment, of bitterness, of discontent."

From BBC • Mar. 4, 2026

Audrey’s triumphant tone flooded my mouth with bitterness.

From "Keep It Together, Keiko Carter" by Debbi Michiko Florence

Related Words

• anguish
• hostility
• pain
• sarcasm