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

Repressing emotion—consciously or unconsciously—may appear effective in the short term, but often leads to unintended consequences such as chronic stress, disengagement or passive-aggressive behavior. —Andriana Eliadis, Forbes.com, 20 June 2025

Before immediately snapping, sighing loudly, or muttering a passive-aggressive comment, try pausing to consider what else might be going on first: Maybe your barista’s slammed with 10 other complicated orders, for instance, or your housemate had a brutal week at work. —Jenna Ryu, SELF, 17 June 2025

In addition to all of the actors named above, Sherry Cola pops up as Sam’s work pal, Nadine, and Anna Chlumsky as Betsy’s uptight, passive-aggressive future sister-in-law, Virginia. —Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 16 June 2025

Daily Horoscope for June 13, 2025 Miss Manners: My secret lover died, and the family has been making pointed inquiries about me Daily Horoscope for June 12, 2025 My own MIL was very passive-aggressive in a similar way. —Eric Thomas, The Orlando Sentinel, 12 June 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