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

“I think the way you ask the question, with the anger and the meanness, is terrible. You go back and learn how to be a reporter. No more questions from you.”

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The children ran around the grounds and sniffed, but the scents of madness, meanness, and vengeance were nowhere to be found at Ashton Place.

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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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Related Words

• avarice 
• greed 
• malice