What does spiteful mean?
Spiteful describes someone or something marked by spite: a malicious or resentful wish to hurt, annoy, or embarrass another person. The word commonly appears with words such as “remark,” “comment,” “behaviour,” and “person,” and it can suggest cruelty that is deliberate rather than merely careless or disagreeable. Spiteful remarks are often subtle barbs, while spiteful behaviour may involve open hostility or an intent to undermine someone. Although “spiteful” is broadly used in British and American English, it has a particularly strong connotation of personal animosity and intentional unpleasantness. It is useful when one wants to emphasize not merely that someone is critical or negative, but that the criticism arises from a hostile, vindictive, or malicious intention.
adjectiveCharacterized by spite; having a malicious desire to hurt or annoy another person.
- Characterized by spite; malicious, mean-spirited, or motivated by a desire to hurt or annoy someone.
"She gave a spiteful reply that was designed to wound her colleague."
"The insult was spiteful, intended to embarrass her in front of everyone."
"His spiteful attitude made every interaction feel hostile."
A spiteful remark may be small on its own, but it is designed to leave a lasting emotional sting.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does spiteful come from?
The word was formed in the 16th century by adding the suffix “-ful” to “spite,” a noun meaning resentment or a desire to harm. “Spite” developed through Old French from Latin roots associated with looking down on or despising, and related English words include “despite,” “despise,” and “despicable.” The formation “spiteful” follows the ordinary English pattern of adding “-ful” to a noun to indicate a quality associated with that noun.
Related word forms
How spiteful is actually used
The term is strongly negative and usually describes intentional words, actions, or attitudes motivated by resentment or ill will. It is common in both formal and informal English.
Easily confused with spiteful
Spite is the feeling of resentment or desire to hurt someone, whereas spiteful describes a person, action, or remark characterized by that feeling.
Sour can describe a bitter taste, mood, or disposition, while spiteful more specifically implies deliberate hostility or a wish to cause harm.