ingratitude

noun

in·​grat·​i·​tude (ˌ)in-ˈgra-tə-ˌtüd How to pronounce ingratitude (audio)
-ˌtyüd
: forgetfulness of or poor return for kindness received : ungratefulness

Examples of ingratitude in a Sentence

their daughter's ingratitude for all that they have done for her is truly appalling
Recent Examples on the Web That amounted to three degrees below average, but warm enough so that asking for more might entail a degree of seasonal ingratitude. Martin Weil, Washington Post, 4 Nov. 2023 In republics, the public is, also, accused of ingratitude to its servants. Jay Nordlinger, National Review, 9 Oct. 2023 But envy and ingratitude sell, so Manjoo gets to misrepresent data, twist facts, and sow resentment in the paper of record. Isaac Schorr, National Review, 25 Nov. 2020 These are symptoms of ingratitude. Chris Schembra, Rolling Stone, 2 Dec. 2022 His ingratitude is boundless. Abigail Van Buren, oregonlive, 26 Feb. 2021 An attitude of ingratitude is, alas, a common form of self-sabotage. Kwame Anthony Appiah, New York Times, 8 Mar. 2023 Seneca was a Roman senator, a philosopher and playwright who acted as tutor to the boy emperor and received nothing but rank ingratitude for his efforts. Stephen Farber, The Hollywood Reporter, 20 Feb. 2023 In the same chapter, Wu also explains and apologizes for her reaction to the Fresh Off the Boat season 5 renewal renewal, writing that her outburst stemmed from her own trauma on the set, not from ingratitude. Maureen Lee Lenker, EW.com, 24 Sep. 2022

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'ingratitude.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Middle French, from Medieval Latin ingratitudo, from Latin in- + Late Latin gratitudo gratitude

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of ingratitude was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near ingratitude

Cite this Entry

“Ingratitude.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ingratitude. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

ingratitude

noun
in·​grat·​i·​tude (ˈ)in-ˈgrat-ə-ˌt(y)üd How to pronounce ingratitude (audio)
: lack of gratitude

Legal Definition

ingratitude

noun
in·​grat·​i·​tude
: forgetfulness of or lack of appreciation for kindness or especially a gift received

Note: Under the civil law of Louisiana, a gift may be revoked on the ground of ingratitude if the recipient of the gift tries to kill the person who gave the gift, is guilty of cruelly mistreating or injuring the giver, or refuses the giver food when it is needed.

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