resentment
Americannoun
noun
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Etymology
Origin of resentment
First recorded in 1610–20; from French ressentiment, Middle French resentiment, equivalent to resenti(r) to resent + -ment -ment
Explanation
Resentment, or the strong and painful bitterness you feel when someone does something wrong to you, doesn’t have actual physical weight, but it feels very heavy and can last a long time. Forgiveness is one way to get rid of resentment. Sometimes resentment lasts for years. It can be strong and hard to pull out, like an old, gnarled tree root. While resentment over being wronged can come from just one act against you, it also can get stronger over time, as in "your growing resentment might just come from the fact that the team captain always picks you last." It also comes from misunderstandings, like feeling resentment over a dirty look you thought was directed at you but really wasn't. It's usually best to root out resentment early.
Vocabulary lists containing resentment
Touching Spirit Bear
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"The First Day of School," Vocabulary from the short story
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Carrie Fisher (1956-2016) Tribute List
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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.
Europe’s defense boom is sparking division and resentment in towns, with benefits often delayed or missing those most in need.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 14, 2026
His desire to dominate the proceedings, whether by attending events or firing off Truth Social posts, might foster resentment among America's two neighbours and, ultimately, cause damage to North American relations in the longer term.
From BBC • Jun. 4, 2026
Ultimately, resentment and misunderstanding can grow in silence.
From MarketWatch • May 29, 2026
Do you relate to your characters’ Gen-Z resentment that previous generations screwed them over?
From Los Angeles Times • May 27, 2026
Her laughter filled Olanna with a resentment as fine, as painful, as the prick of a new pin.
From "Half of a Yellow Sun" by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
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.
