Ill-feeling

Ill-feeling describes a negative emotional state characterized by resentment, animosity, or hostility towards another person, group, or situation. It arises from perceived wrongs, disappointments, or perceived threats. This emotional response can manifest as anger, bitterness, dislike, or even a desire for revenge. ill-feeling often involves a sustained negative attitude, potentially affecting behaviour and decision-making. It can range from mild annoyance to profound hatred and significantly damage relationships, fostering conflict and hindering cooperation. The intensity and duration of ill-feeling depend on the nature of the perceived offense, the individual's personality, and the context of the situation.

Ill-feeling meaning with examples

• After the public accusation, a sense of ill-feeling quickly grew between the colleagues. They were once close friends. The accused felt betrayed, and the accuser felt vindicated, leading to strained communication and avoiding each other. This negative emotion deeply impacted their professional lives, hindering collaboration and causing significant project delays.
• The neighborhood was plagued by ill-feeling over the proposed development. Residents felt their views were ignored, and they felt the plans threatened their quality of life. The tension escalated into public protests, angry exchanges at town hall meetings, and a general sense of unease that permeated the community.
• Sarah's ill-feeling towards her ex-partner lingered long after their breakup. She focused on his faults, replaying past hurts, and found it difficult to move on. The persistent bitterness not only prevented her from forming new relationships, but it also affected her overall happiness and mental health, causing sleep difficulties.
• Political discourse often fosters ill-feeling, particularly in highly polarized societies. Divergent views on policies, social issues, and leadership styles are frequently expressed with anger. This rhetoric encourages division and animosity and can erode social cohesion and create significant barriers to constructive dialogue and problem-solving.
• The team's loss triggered ill-feeling amongst the players. They blamed each other for the mistakes. This atmosphere of negativity hindered their practice sessions. The coach intervened to try to mend relationships and rebuild morale, as unresolved ill-feeling can seriously undermine team performance and cohesion.