vindictiveness

American  

[vin-dik-tiv-nis] / vɪnˈdɪk tɪv nɪs /

noun

1. a vengeful character or quality; a spirit of revenge.

   Grudges, vindictiveness, jealousies, and so on are part of being human, but must be separated from hiring decisions.

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Other Word Forms

• unvindictiveness
  noun

Etymology

Origin of vindictiveness

vindictive ( def. ) + -ness ( def. )

Explanation

Vindictiveness is a strong desire to get back at someone. People who hold grudges and seek revenge are full of vindictiveness. If someone steps on your toe, and you put on boots to stomp back, you’re full of vindictiveness. Use the noun vindictiveness to describe the need for vengeance, or the urge to retaliate against someone who's done you wrong. If you can’t let go of the anger that comes from being mistreated or hurt and you’re plotting revenge, you’re full vindictiveness. At the heart of vindictiveness is the Latin root word vindicta, which means "revenge."

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

vindictiveness

“The evidence of vindictiveness in this matter is overwhelming,” the lawyers wrote, noting that top officials have publicly described Brennan as a criminal before even bringing charges.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 1, 2026

Della Cruz’s stirring Ninoy standing tall against the patriarchal savagery of Renfro’s Ferdinand and the petty vindictiveness of Acasio’s well-drawn Imelda is a powerful call to action.

From Los Angeles Times ● Feb. 20, 2026

"There is a sort of public vindictiveness directed against them," one of the three lawyers, Yaël Hayat, said.

From BBC ● Jan. 19, 2026

But Baitz extensively invests in writing to one layer of these women’s interiority without convincing us that there's more to them than their vindictiveness, prejudice or selfishness.

From Salon ● Jan. 31, 2024

Which heir was the target of Westing's vindictiveness?

From "The Westing Game" by Ellen Raskin