noun
- the quality or state of being spiteful; malicious ill will or desire to hurt someone
Usage: formal or literary; often used to describe a character trait or emotional state
Examples
- Her despitefulness toward her former friend was evident in every cutting remark.
- The despitefulness of his actions shocked everyone who knew him.
- He acted out of despitefulness rather than any rational motive.
- The character's despitefulness made her an effective villain in the novel.
- Such despitefulness has no place in a civilized society.