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

Your brother’s behavior is passive-aggressive and childish. —Jeanne Phillips, The Mercury News, 12 Jan. 2025

My mother-in-law has always been passive-aggressive, critical and mixing into our business. —Jeanne Phillips, The Mercury News, 4 Jan. 2025

But with Mars retrograde in the same sign, passive-aggressive behavior may rear its head, especially if unresolved emotions bubble to the surface. —Dossé-Via Trenou, refinery29.com, 26 Dec. 2024

When passive-aggressive behavior no longer serves its intended purpose, teams can focus on their actual work rather than navigating interpersonal mazes. —Mark Murphy, Forbes, 20 Dec. 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