ressentiment

[ French ruh-sahn-tee-mahn ]

/ French rə sɑ̃ tiˈmɑ̃ /

noun

any cautious, defeatist, or cynical attitude based on the belief that the individual and human institutions exist in a hostile or indifferent universe or society.

an oppressive awareness of the futility of trying to improve one's status in life or in society.

Nearby words

responsiveness, responsor, responsory, responsum, respray, ressentiment, rest, rest area, rest assured, rest cure, rest energy

Origin of ressentiment

From French, dating back to 1940–45; see origin at resentment