passive-aggressive

adjective

pas·​sive-ag·​gres·​sive ˈpa-siv-ə-ˈgre-siv How to pronounce passive-aggressive (audio)
: 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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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 For example: a passive-aggressive leader may imply through comments or tone that taking a full leave period could hurt the team's performance or place undue strain on colleagues. Christine Michel Carter, Forbes, 14 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for passive-aggressive 

Word History

First Known Use

1945, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of passive-aggressive was in 1945

Dictionary Entries Near passive-aggressive

Cite this Entry

“Passive-aggressive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/passive-aggressive. Accessed 10 Jan. 2025.

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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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