What does begrudging mean?
To begrudge is to envy or resent what another person has, receives, or achieves, or to give something only reluctantly and with visible displeasure. The word appears most often in negative constructions such as "she never begrudged her rival the victory," where it emphasises a speaker's generosity of spirit by denying any hint of jealousy. Used affirmatively — "he begrudged them their happiness" — it conveys open resentment and petty envy, making it a pointed word in both speech and writing. Begrudging derives from the older verb "grudge," which originally meant to murmur or complain, so the word carries an echo of quiet, muttered discontent. It is a useful term for describing attitudes toward other people's success, whether to praise someone for lacking envy or to criticise someone for harbouring it.
Present participle of begrudge: to envy or resent someone's possession or success, or to give something unwillingly.
"He was always begrudging his neighbours their good fortune."
Frequently used in the negative — "never begrudging" — to express generosity.
Showing reluctance or resentment, especially in granting something or in acknowledging another's success.
"Her congratulations were begrudging at best."
To "grudge" once meant to murmur and complain — so when you begrudge someone their success, you are, etymologically speaking, muttering under your breath about it.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of begrudging
Begrudging comes from the verb "begrudge," formed from the prefix "be-" plus "grudge." "Grudge" entered English in the Middle Ages (attested from around the 15th century) from Old French "grousser" or "grouchier," meaning to murmur or complain, likely of Germanic origin and related to words meaning to growl or grunt. Over time "grudge" shifted from murmuring complaint to resentment and envy, and "begrudge" developed the specific senses of envying another's possessions or giving reluctantly. The same root ultimately gives us "grumbling" relatives like "disgruntled" and "grouchy."
Related word forms
How begrudging is actually used
Most common in negative constructions — "never begrudge", "didn't begrudge" — where it signals generosity or magnanimity. In affirmative uses it carries a distinctly disapproving tone. Slightly formal in register but widely understood.
Easily confused with begrudging
"Grudging" describes reluctance itself (a grudging apology), while "begrudging" is the verb form of actively resenting another's good fortune or granting something with reluctance.