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

“Yes, sugar is the sweetness that comes from Cuba, but she also wanted to remind us of the bitterness felt by Afro-Cubans who were enslaved on the sugarcane plantations.”

From Literature

But on Monday, Lecornu conceded with "a certain degree of regret and a bit of bitterness" that he had to invoke the power to push the budget through.

From Barron's

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

From Los Angeles Times

He told a news conference he had decided "with a certain degree of regret and a bit of bitterness" to invoke a constitutional measure that would force the legislation through.

From Barron's

Otherwise, no one will feel like they’re getting a fair deal, and it will turn into one of those family stories, steeped in bitterness and resentment, that will linger for years.

From MarketWatch

Related Words

• anguish
• hostility
• pain
• sarcasm