Rankling

Rankling describes a feeling of persistent irritation, resentment, or bitterness. It signifies a wound, emotional or psychological, that continues to fester and cause pain or annoyance. It is often a lingering feeling that stems from an injustice, insult, or disappointment, and it can negatively affect one's thoughts, behaviors, and relationships. The intensity of rankling can vary, from a mild annoyance to a deep-seated bitterness that can consume a person. It implies a failure to resolve or let go of a negative experience, allowing the pain to remain prominent in the person's awareness.

Rankling meaning with examples

• The unfair promotion of her colleague, despite her superior performance, left a rankling sense of injustice. The feeling nagged at her for weeks, impacting her enthusiasm and making her resentful towards the company, impacting her ability to work with her colleagues. It made her feel that her hard work wasn't recognized or appreciated and she began looking for another job.
• His thoughtless comment about her artwork was a rankling wound. She'd worked tirelessly, putting her heart into her creation. It continued to play on her mind, leading to a loss of creativity. The words stung deeply, and it poisoned her perception of her own talent. It resulted in a long-lasting feeling of self-doubt.
• The politician's broken promises continued to be a rankling point for the voters. They felt betrayed. Despite efforts at reconciliation, the damage was done. His credibility was destroyed. The people of the area felt that he had let them down by not fulfilling their expectations. His reputation was tarnished and this influenced the next election.
• The constant criticism from her boss was a rankling irritation. The constant negativity took a toll on her mental health. She felt belittled and undervalued. It undermined her confidence and created a toxic work environment. It damaged her self esteem and made it difficult to do her best at work.
• The betrayal by her friend created a rankling distrust. The pain was difficult to put aside. She felt hurt and abandoned. The thought of forgiveness seemed distant. The once-strong bond was forever weakened. Her sense of safety and trust had been permanently damaged by this experience.