# vendetta

/vɛnˈdɛtə/ (US) · /vɛndˈɛtɐ/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/vendetta
Updated: 2026-05-08

## Definition

a long and angry fight between two people or families. It often involves one person trying to get revenge for something that happened a long time ago.

For teachers: a prolonged and bitter feud, often characterized by retaliatory acts of revenge. Frequently used to describe personal or political rivalries that persist over many years.

## Examples

- The two families have been in a vendetta for decades.
- The politician seemed to have a personal vendetta against the local newspaper after they published a critical report.
- What began as a minor business disagreement spiraled into a lifelong vendetta that eventually ruined both men's reputations and fortunes.

## Usage notes

- Often paired with the verbs 'carry out', 'pursue', or 'have'.

---

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.