meanness

[meen-nis]

noun

1. the state or quality of being mean.

2. a mean act.

   to answer meannesses with forgiveness.

Word History and Origins

Origin of meanness¹

First recorded in 1550–60; mean ² + -ness

Example Sentences

Trump's bad behavior and other extreme positions, and just meanness will also likely push more American voters away from him.

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But watch those eyes widen when suddenly there’s a test of guts and his meanness flares again.

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There are many reasons for the anger Nazanin exudes, but her meanness conceals more than it gives away.

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To the millions who greedily gobbled up scuttlebutt about her legendary meanness over the years, this is far from a news flash.

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He added: “I never want people to think I have a hint of malice or meanness towards anyone, ever, that’s why I’m saying all this.”

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Related Words

• avarice 
• greed 
• malice