meanness
Translation
unkindness, spitefulness, stinginess
Examples
His meanness was known to everyone.
His meanness was known to everyone.
The meanness of his actions shocked us.
The meanness of his actions shocked us.
Grammar Patterns
((of sb./sth.)) the quality of being unkind belonging to (sb./sth.) The meanness of his words was surprising.
Similar Words
Synonyms: unkindness, cruelty, spitefulness; Antonyms: kindness, generosity
Etymology
From the adjective 'mean' (unkind) plus the suffix '-ness', which forms nouns indicating a state or quality.
Memory Tips
Think of the 'ness' on the end as 'the state of being'. So, 'meanness' is the state of being mean.