noun
meanness
noun
1
Unkind or spiteful behavior; cruelty in small, petty ways.
"His meanness toward the new employee was noticed by everyone."
2
Stinginess with money or resources.
"Her meanness with the household budget caused constant arguments."
How to Use Meanness
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe quality of being unkind, petty, or stingy.
Common pairings
sheer meanness
act of meanness
Word Forms
meannesses plural
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Etymology
From mean plus the noun suffix -ness.