Definition

Noun: * A malicious or spiteful desire to seek revenge; the quality of being disposed to inflict harm or suffering in return for a perceived wrong or injury. It implies a deep-seated, often cruel, wish to see someone punished.

Usage

• Vindictiveness is an uncountable noun that describes a negative character trait or emotional state. It is typically used in formal or serious contexts to criticize someone's motivations or behavior.
• It often follows verbs like , , , , , or .
• It can be modified by adjectives like , , , or .

Examples

• The manager's decision to fire the employee seemed motivated more by personal vindictiveness than by professional concerns.
• Her actions after the argument revealed a shocking level of vindictiveness.
• The long legal battle was not about justice but about pure vindictiveness.
• He was known for his vindictiveness; crossing him was a dangerous mistake.

Advanced Usage

• "with vindictiveness": Used as an adverbial phrase to describe an action.
  • He pursued the lawsuit with a cold vindictiveness.
• "a streak of vindictiveness": Suggests that this quality is one part of a person's character.
  • Beneath his charming exterior, he had a streak of vindictiveness.

Variants and Related Words

• Vindictive (adjective): Having or showing a strong desire for revenge.
  • She made a vindictive remark intended to hurt his feelings.
• Vindictively (adverb): In a revengeful manner.
  • He vindictively spread rumors about his former colleague.

Synonyms

• Revengefulness: The state of being eager for revenge.
• Spitefulness: A desire to hurt, annoy, or offend someone.
• Venom: Extreme malice and bitterness.
• Malice: The intention or desire to do evil or cause injury.

Antonyms

• Forgiveness: The action or process of ceasing to feel resentment for a perceived offense.
• Mercy: Compassion or forgiveness shown toward someone whom it is within one's power to punish.
• Magnanimity: The fact or condition of being generous and forgiving, especially toward a rival or someone less powerful.

Noun

1. a malevolent desire for revenge