English Reference
noun

negativity

n.
US /ˌnɛɡəˈtɪvəti/ UK /nˌɛɡɐtˈɪvɪti/ neg·a·tiv·i·ty

  1. 01 B2 Upper Intermediate

    a tendency to focus on the bad side of things or to expect the worst.

    a pessimistic or contrarian disposition characterized by a focus on unfavorable aspects of a situation.

    Simple

    His constant negativity made it difficult for the team to stay motivated.

    In context

    The manager addressed the pervasive negativity in the office, noting that a cynical outlook was hindering the department's creative output.

  2. 02 B2 Upper Intermediate

    unpleasant or critical comments and feelings.

    the expression of criticism, hostility, or unfavorable opinions.

    Simple

    There was a lot of negativity on social media after the movie was released.

    In context

    Despite the initial negativity from local residents, the new urban development project eventually gained widespread community support.

  3. 03 C1 Advanced Technical Science

    the state of having a negative electrical charge.

    the physical property of having a negative charge or being electronegative.

    Simple

    The negativity of the electrons causes them to be attracted to the positive terminal.

    In context

    The experiment measured the relative negativity of the particles as they passed through the electromagnetic field.

    negative charge

The Everton manager insisted it had been easy to keep the negativity away from his players.

The Guardian· 6 Sept 2026

In a new paper in PNAS, professor of psychology Joshua Conrad Jackson and colleagues show that algorithms aren't the only driver of online negativity.

Phys.org· 13 Aug 2026
This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Frequent
Updated