passive-aggressive

American  

[pas-iv-uh-gres-iv] / ˈpæs ɪv əˈgrɛs ɪv /

adjective

1. denoting or pertaining to a personality type or behavior marked by the expression of negative emotions in passive, indirect ways, as through manipulation or noncooperation.

   a passive-aggressive employee who often misses deadlines.

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passive-aggressive British  

adjective

1. psychoanal of or relating to a personality that harbours aggressive emotions while behaving in a calm or detached manner

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Usage

What does passive-aggressive mean? Passive aggressive behavior is a way to express feelings of anger or annoyance, but in a non-forthcoming way. Instead of communicating openly, people who engage in this type of behavior share their negative feelings through actions. Passive aggressive personality disorder was once also a psychiatric diagnosis.

Other Word Forms

• passive-aggression
  noun

Etymology

Origin of passive-aggressive

First recorded in 1945–50

Example Sentences

Meanwhile, after another tumultuous week in the passive-aggressive life of a king, it feels like LeBron James is as good as gone.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 17, 2026

The conflict is often subtle, she explains, and as well as exclusion can include gossip and passive-aggressive comments.

From BBC • Jan. 17, 2026

He has historically been passive-aggressive and he has become hostile toward me.

From MarketWatch • Dec. 30, 2025

Coleman gets to hit some of his usual sour notes when Bill stands up to Norman’s passive-aggressive bullying, but he’s not the villain of the story this time.

From New York Times • May 18, 2024

Probably more than I thought—but handing each one over to my mother was like running the gauntlet of passive-aggressive pep talks.

From "Made You Up" by Francesca Zappia