Etymology
Origin of meanness
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.
“Railroaded” evokes the meanness of New York in those years.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Apr. 10, 2026
Rourke later apologised to Siwa, and told the housemates he "didn't say it out of meanness".
From BBC ● Apr. 9, 2025
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.”
From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 19, 2024
Another said the demon’s “ludicrous meanness destroys the terror which is the soul of the scene.”
From New York Times ● Nov. 10, 2023
“I ain’t takin’ it away jus’ for meanness.
From "Of Mice and Men" by John Steinbeck
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.
