Word
embittered
Phoneticsem·bit·tered, stress on the second syllable
US/ɛmˈbɪtɝd/
UK/ɛmbˈɪtəd/
Definition
adj. feeling angry and hurt for a long time because life has treated you unfairly.
adj. made resentful or cynical by prolonged unfair treatment, disappointment, or suffering. Often describes a lasting emotional state rather than momentary anger.
Examples
“Years of unfair criticism leave him embittered.”
“After losing her job unfairly, she feels embittered toward the company she served for ten years.”
“Decades after the dispute, the once hopeful activist remains embittered, convinced that compromise only rewards those who never sacrificed anything.”
Examples
simple
“Years of unfair criticism leave him embittered.”
contextual
“After losing her job unfairly, she feels embittered toward the company she served for ten years.”
complex
“Decades after the dispute, the once hopeful activist remains embittered, convinced that compromise only rewards those who never sacrificed anything.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “embittered” in context.
Verb
01. become embittered
“Many veterans became embittered after returning to neglect.”
verb + adj
02. embittered by betrayal
“He remains embittered by betrayal after his partner stole his share.”
adj + prep + noun
03. embittered over injustice
“They grew embittered over injustice they suffered during the war.”
adj + prep + noun
04. embittered towards society
“She felt embittered towards society after years of discrimination.”
adj + prep + noun
05. grow embittered
“She grew embittered after decades of unrecognized work.”
verb + adj
Adjective
06. deeply embittered
“After years of unfair treatment, he felt deeply embittered.”
adv + adj
07. increasingly embittered
“She grew increasingly embittered after the long custody battle.”
adv + adj
Noun
08. embittered exile
“The embittered exile vowed never to return to his homeland.”
adj + noun
09. embittered rival
“The embittered rival rejected every attempt at reconciliation.”
adj + noun
10. embittered veteran
“The embittered veteran refused to attend the memorial service.”
adj + noun
11. an embittered old veteran
“He died as an embittered old veteran, forgotten by his country.”
12. grow increasingly embittered over
“She grew increasingly embittered over the unfair division of property.”
Real-World Examples
“Stories circulated that Abbot retired because he was embittered that comedy had changed and no straight roles were being offered to him.” “Of course, Eley clarifies that Basil’s opinions are those of a lonely and embittered old cove, trying and failing to befriend his bin man.” “Twenty years I worked for my country and they kicked me out on my ass," the embittered duke told a friend.” “Embittered and resentful, he appeared to have decided he wanted to hurt the Navy.” Synonyms
Antonyms
Related words
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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