passive-aggressive

pas·sive-ag·gres·sive

P p

Definitions of passive-aggressive word

adjective passive-aggressive denoting or pertaining to a personality type or behavior marked by the expression of negative emotions in passive, indirect ways, as through manipulation or noncooperation: a passive-aggressive employee who often misses deadlines. 1
adjective passive-aggressive of or relating to a personality that harbours aggressive emotions while behaving in a calm or detached manner 0
adjective passive-aggressive designating or of a personality, a person, or behavior characterized by disguised resistance to the demands or expectations of others, that is expressed in hindering progress, as by procrastination, stubbornness, or inefficiency 0

before 1945

One of the 6% newest English words

First recorded in 1945-50

noun

adjective

verb

adverb

pronoun

preposition

conjunction

determiner

exclamation

This term is known only to a narrow circle of people with rare knowledge. Only 7% of English native speakers know the meaning of this word.

According to our data most of word are more popular. This word is almost not used. It has a much more popular synonym.

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