invidious

American  

[in-vid-ee-uhs] / ɪnˈvɪd i əs /

adjective

1. calculated to create ill will or resentment or give offense; hateful.

   invidious remarks.

2. offensively or unfairly discriminating; injurious.

   invidious comparisons.

3. causing or tending to cause animosity, resentment, or envy.

   an invidious honor.

4. Obsolete. envious.

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invidious British  

/ ɪnˈvɪdɪəs /

adjective

1. incurring or tending to arouse resentment, unpopularity, etc

   an invidious task

2. (of comparisons or distinctions) unfairly or offensively discriminating

3. obsolete grudging; envious

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Other Word Forms

• invidiously adverb
• invidiousness noun
• noninvidious adjective
• noninvidiously adverb
• noninvidiousness noun
• uninvidious adjective
• uninvidiously adverb

Etymology

Origin of invidious

1600–10; < Latin invidiōsus envious, envied, hateful, equivalent to invidi ( a ) envy + -ōsus -ous

Example Sentences

The removal of 100% inheritance tax relief for farmers placed many in Northern Ireland in an invidious position.

From BBC

Sir Andy Cooke, His Majesty's Chief Inspector of Constabulary, said current legislation places police in an "invidious position" with "discretion and common sense" not always prevailing.

From BBC

In truth, the PGA of America put Bradley in an invidious position by appointing him long before his days at the top of the game are done.

From BBC

"The parents found themselves in a wholly invidious decision when they made the decision they made," she said.

From BBC

His office also told the BBC "it was an invidious situation that Stephen Cottrell lived with every day that he was Bishop of Chelmsford until he was able to take action."

From BBC