Grudgingness

Grudgingness is the quality of showing reluctance, unwillingness, or resentment in giving or accepting something. It stems from a feeling of begrudging others' fortune, success, or even simply their request for assistance. It can manifest in various ways, from providing minimal effort to outright refusal, always laced with an inner feeling of displeasure. The core characteristic of grudgingness lies in the lack of wholeheartedness and a noticeable resistance to the action being performed. It implies an underlying sentiment of dissatisfaction, often fueled by envy, spite, or a sense of unfairness. Someone displaying grudgingness might perform a task, but their attitude and demeanor betray their inner resistance. This behavior can strain relationships and create a negative atmosphere.

Grudgingness meaning with examples

• Despite being asked for a significant favor, he offered his help with notable grudgingness. He sighed heavily, made sarcastic comments, and only provided the bare minimum of assistance. His clear reluctance made the recipient feel uncomfortable and unwanted, overshadowing the actual help provided. This contrast in behavior ruined the act and highlighted the emotional cost.
• After losing the competition, the coach displayed grudgingness in congratulating the winning team. He offered a mumbled, insincere 'good job' without making eye contact, followed by a dismissive comment about luck. His resentment was evident to everyone, undermining the spirit of sportsmanship and damaging the team's image of fair play.
• She demonstrated grudgingness when sharing her inheritance, giving her siblings less than they expected and constantly reminding them of her generosity. She attached conditions that felt punitive. Her actions reflected not simply a lack of generosity but a hidden wish to punish her family. The siblings felt belittled and used, which created resentment.
• The manager, when issuing the pay raises, distributed them with noticeable grudgingness, highlighting the company's financial struggles and the supposed sacrifices made. He avoided recognizing individual achievements. His approach damaged morale, fostered distrust, and made the staff feel undervalued and discouraged, undermining productivity.