Entry Word: bitterness

Function: noun

Meaning: 1 a deep-seated ill will <he still harbored bitterness against the company that had fired him> — see enmity
2 a harsh or sharp quality <the bitterness of the coffee suggested that it had been reheated> — see edge 1
3 an uncomfortable degree of coolness <thereʼs a bitterness in the air, so letʼs build a fire in the fireplace> — see chill
4 biting sharpness of feeling or expression <complained with great bitterness about the ill treatment he had always received from his in-laws> — see acrimony 1