# meanest

/ˈminəst/ (US) · /mˈiːnəst/ (UK) · CEFR C2 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/meanest
Updated: 2026-05-20

## Definition

the most unpleasant or cruel thing you can say or do. It is a very strong word that people use to describe something that is extremely mean.

For teachers: the most cruel, unpleasant, or spiteful. Often used to describe the most extreme form of malice or unkindness.

## Examples

- He said the meanest things about her when she wasn't looking.
- The meanest comment in the entire review was that the restaurant was 'too expensive for the quality of the food'.
- In the heat of the argument, he uttered the meanest words he could think of, leaving his former friend speechless and deeply hurt.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.