passive-aggressive

adjective

pas·​sive-ag·​gres·​sive ˈpa-siv-ə-ˈgre-siv 

: being, marked by, or displaying behavior characterized by the expression of negative feelings, resentment, and aggression in an unassertive passive way (as through procrastination and stubbornness)

It is passive-aggressive behavior, the donning of a mask of amiability that conceals raw antagonism toward one's competitors, even one's friends.

—Hilary De Vries

A passive-aggressive manager eschews open hostilities, in part because he feels distinctly uncomfortable with them.

—Walter Kiechel III

passive-aggressive noun

Examples of passive-aggressive in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Organization presents can be genuinely beautiful objects—not just passive-aggressive reminders to get your life in order. —Emily Johnson, Bon Appétit, 5 Dec. 2024

The majority of passive-aggressive work emails came to employees from their own co-workers, according to a new poll from Mailsuite. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 29 Nov. 2024

If being passive-aggressive were a superpower, Mother Gothel (voiced by Donna Murphy) would be the most powerful character in Disney's history. —Barry Levitt, TIME, 27 Nov. 2024

Each of these met our criteria for what makes a good one — turkey, plus at least one additional feast ingredient, like stuffing, gravy, cranberry, mashed potatoes or passive-aggressive judgment for your life choices. —Karri Peifer, Axios, 20 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1945, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

passive-aggressive

1 of 2 adjective

: being, marked by, or displaying behavior characterized by expression of negative feelings, resentment, and aggression in an unassertive way (as through procrastination, stubbornness, and unwillingness to communicate)

a passive-aggressive personality

passive-aggressively adverb

passive-aggressive

2 of 2 noun

: a passive-aggressive individual