begrudge

verb

be·​grudge bi-ˈgrəj 

bē-

begrudged; begrudging; begrudges

transitive verb

1

: to give or concede reluctantly or with displeasure

begrudge money

begrudged the weeks spent away from home

2

: to look upon with disapproval or envy

begrudge their rivals' success

begrudger

bi-ˈgrə-jər 

bē-

noun

Synonyms

• envy
• resent

Examples of begrudge in a Sentence

She's worked hard to get where she is. You shouldn't begrudge her the success she's earned.

After what he's been through, it's hard to begrudge him the money he has.

You shouldn't begrudge her success.

Many commuters begrudge every minute spent in traffic.

Recent Examples on the Web

Others begrudge the collectors who sold while the market was hot and gained at their expense. —Rachel Corbett, Vulture, 8 May 2025

These legislative actions poised Attorney General Rob Bonta to become a begrudging figurehead of the resistance. —Jenavieve Hatch, Sacramento Bee, 6 Mar. 2025

The shock of game four forced begrudging acceptance, especially with the horrific injury to Jayson Tatum. —Tom Rende, Forbes.com, 21 May 2025

The begrudging foster father, played by Pedro Pascal, was killed by newcomer Abby (Kaitlyn Dever) in the second episode of the show’s second season. —Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 21 Apr. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English begrucchen, from be- be- + grucchen, gruggen "to murmur, grudge entry 1"

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for begrudge

• adjudge
• misjudge
• prejudge
• budge
• drudge
• frage
• fudge
• grudge
• judge
• mudge
• nudge
• rudge

Kids Definition

begrudge

verb

be·​grudge bi-ˈgrəj 

: to give or do reluctantly

begrudge a person a favor

begrudgingly

-ˈgrəj-iŋ-lē 

adverb