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

This passive-aggressive girlboss duel never rises to the level of actual dramatic stakes. —Guy Lodge, Variety, 21 Sep. 2024

Silence when a response is warranted can be a sign of passive-aggressive behavior. —Chris Westfall, Forbes, 19 Sep. 2024

Brier is best known for her online comedy sketches playing increasingly annoying best friends, passive-aggressive roommates, or obnoxious New York City transplants. —Ct Jones, Rolling Stone, 2 Sep. 2024

So last October, on the heels of Michigan’s sign-stealing scandal, out came that gray screen, held in front of Riley like a beacon of passive-aggressive football paranoia. —Houston Mitchell, Los Angeles Times, 15 Aug. 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