What does resentful mean?
Resentful is an adjective meaning deeply dissatisfied, bitter, or angry, especially because something has been done that seems unfair, disrespectful, or hurtful. It is often used to describe a person who continues to feel aggrieved: a resentful employee, a resentful former friend, or a resentful tone in a message. The word is more formal and more emotionally charged than simply being annoyed or disappointed. For example, someone might say, “She was upset about the delay,” when the reaction is temporary and ordinary, but “He was resentful that no one had considered his proposal” when the issue is perceived as a personal slight or injustice. Resentful can also describe words and actions, as in “a resentful reply,” indicating that the speaker’s attitude is shaped by lingering bitterness. Its force comes from the suggestion that the anger is not merely reactive but rooted in a sense of wrongdoing.
adjectiveFeeling or characterized by bitter anger or disappointment, especially in response to something perceived as unfair or hurtful. It describes both a person's emotional state and attitudes, speech, or behavior that express resentment.
- Feeling bitter anger or disappointment caused by a perceived wrong.
- Expressing or characterized by bitter anger or resentment.
"She was resentful that her contribution had not been acknowledged."
"He remained resentful long after the dispute had ended."
"The director sent a resentful reply to the criticism."
“Resentful” turns dissatisfaction into an attitude: it means not merely disliking something, but feeling that it was unjust or personally hurtful.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does resentful come from?
Resentful derives from the English verb resent, which comes from French resentir and ultimately from Latin resentire, formed from re- and sentire, “to feel.” The verb entered English with the sense of experiencing or expressing strong feeling, especially dissatisfaction or indignation. The adjective resentful developed from this verb and became common in English for describing bitter or indignant feelings.
Related word forms
How resentful is actually used
Resentful is formal and often carries a stronger sense of enduring bitterness than upset or displeased. It is commonly used with “of,” as in “resentful of the decision,” and can describe a person, attitude, tone, or response.
Easily confused with resentful
Resentful is an adjective describing a feeling of bitter anger, while resent is a verb meaning to feel bitter anger or displeasure about something.