miffed
Americanadjective
Etymology
Origin of miffed
Explanation
When you're miffed, you're offended or annoyed. It would be hard not to feel miffed if your entire family forgot your birthday. The informal miffed is great for describing a feeling of irritation or impatience. Your teacher might be miffed if you keep showing up late to class, and you'll feel equally miffed if he doesn't believe your excuse that the bus is always late. Miffed came along in the early nineteenth century, from miff, "fit of ill humor," which is probably imitative of the disgusted sound you might make when you're fed up or offended.
Vocabulary lists containing miffed
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
Red Kayak
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
Chomp
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The VAR's decision to stay out of it will probably leave Manchester United fans a bit miffed.
From BBC • Apr. 20, 2026
"We started making shots," said Durant, a two-time NBA champion who launched his career with the Thunder franchise and heard boos from fans still miffed by his departure more than nine years ago.
From Barron's • Feb. 8, 2026
A Gallup poll last year revealed that satisfaction with public education had reached a 24-year low, and people have good reason to be miffed.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 13, 2026
Urías was miffed because he believed the Dodgers did not believe in him.
From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 26, 2025
I was no longer even miffed about being stranded at home without transportation.
From "Schooled" by Gordon Korman
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
