# spiteful

/ˈspaɪtfəɫ/ (US) · /spˈaɪtfəl/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/spiteful
Updated: 2026-05-19

## Definition

behaving in a way that is mean or cruel just to hurt someone else. You use this to describe someone who does something annoying on purpose.

For teachers: behaving in a manner intended to cause harm or annoyance to another person. Often used to describe actions or words that are deliberately cruel or petty.

## Examples

- He made a spiteful comment about my new car.
- The spiteful remarks from the former colleague made it difficult for the new manager to focus on her work.
- The spiteful nature of the letter suggested that the author was not merely seeking to settle a dispute, but to ensure that the recipient would feel as much pain as possible.

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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.