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

In destructive conflict, communication often becomes passive-aggressive. —Dileep Marway, Forbes, 20 Feb. 2025

While her passive-aggressive comment about his lying down is the focus of his entire afternoon, her gestures of goodwill go unnoticed and unappreciated. —Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 17 Feb. 2025

No one appreciates passive-aggressive quips so keep them to a minimum. —Lisa Stardust, refinery29.com, 14 Feb. 2025

After months of her food disappearing and unsuccessful attempts to stop the hungry colleague—including labeling her meals and leaving passive-aggressive notes—the pregnant woman tried a different approach. —Justin Gest, Newsweek, 11 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1945, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for passive-aggressive

• immunosuppressive
• aggressive
• compressive
• concessive
• depressive
• excessive
• expressive
• impressive
• obsessive
• oppressive
• possessive
• progressive

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