Definition

Noun: * A nature or disposition characterized by being nagging, scolding, or ill-tempered: The quality of being persistently critical, argumentative, or bad-tempered, often in a sharp-tongued or domineering manner.

Usage

The word "shrewishness" is a formal or literary term used to describe a person's (historically and stereotypically a woman's) persistent, sharp-tongued, and quarrelsome temperament. It focuses on the quality or state of being shrewish.

Examples

• Her constant shrewishness made it difficult for anyone to enjoy a peaceful evening at home.
• The character in the novel was defined by her shrewishness, which alienated her from her family.
• He endured years of his wife's shrewishness without complaint.

Advanced Usage

• The term is often considered dated and carries strong negative, gendered stereotypes. In modern usage, it is more common to use neutral terms like "quarrelsomeness," "argumentativeness," or "critical nature" to describe such behavior without the historical gender bias.

Variants and Related Words

• Shrewish (adjective): Having the nature of a shrew; nagging and ill-tempered.
  • He was afraid of her shrewish tongue.
• Shrew (noun): (Archaic/derogatory) A woman of violent temper and speech; a scold.

Synonyms

• Nagging
• Quarrelsomeness
• Cantankerousness
• Ill-temperedness
• Scolding nature

Antonyms

• Agreeableness
• Amiability
• Gentleness
• Sweet-temperedness

Noun

1. a nature given to nagging or scolding