acrimony
C1/C2Formal, literary, journalistic
Definition
Meaning
bitterness or sharpness in speech, manner, or feeling; harshness of tone or temper.
A state of deep-seated resentment and ill will, often manifesting in sharp, bitter, or caustic language, especially during disputes or disagreements.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily an abstract noun describing the quality of a relationship or atmosphere. It implies a prolonged, deep-seated bitterness rather than a momentary flash of anger. Often used in contexts of divorce, politics, or failed negotiations.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. Slightly more common in British formal writing.
Connotations
Identical in both varieties: strongly negative, implying a toxic, entrenched hostility.
Frequency
Low-frequency word in both varieties, found more in written than spoken English.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
acrimony between X and Yacrimony over/about/regarding Zacrimony in (the negotiations/relationship)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “parted with considerable acrimony”
- “the talks ended in acrimony”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used to describe the hostile atmosphere of failed mergers, boardroom disputes, or contentious contract negotiations.
Academic
Appears in political science, history, and sociology texts analysing conflicts, schisms, or debates.
Everyday
Rare in casual conversation. Might be used when describing a very bitter divorce or family feud.
Technical
Not a technical term in most fields.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The meeting acrimonised quickly as old grievances were aired.
- Their relationship had been thoroughly acrimonised by the court case.
American English
- The debate acrimonized over the issue of healthcare, with personal attacks flying.
adverb
British English
- They argued acrimoniously for hours over the inheritance.
- The neighbours have been feuding acrimoniously for years.
American English
- The negotiations broke down acrimoniously, with both sides blaming the other.
adjective
British English
- The acrimonious split between the band members was front-page news.
- After an acrimonious meeting, the committee vote was postponed.
American English
- The divorce proceedings were long and acrimonious.
- An acrimonious debate erupted on the Senate floor.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- There was a lot of acrimony after the business deal failed.
- The political debate was marked by considerable acrimony, with both candidates exchanging personal insults.
- The acrimony between the two departments made collaboration impossible.
- The acrimony that characterised their divorce proceedings lingered for a decade, poisoning any chance of civil co-parenting.
- Scholarly acrimony over the interpretation of the text spilled into public view through a series of sharply worded journal articles.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'ACRId' (sharp or pungent) + 'MOAN' (to complain). ACRIMONY is the sharp, complaining bitterness in a relationship.
Conceptual Metaphor
BITTERNESS IS A SHARP SUBSTANCE / CONFLICT IS A TOXIC ENVIRONMENT.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'акримония' (a non-existent word). The closest common translation is 'озлобленность' or 'желчность', but these miss the formal, relational nuance. 'Враждебность' is more general hostility.
Common Mistakes
- Using it as a countable noun (e.g., 'an acrimony'). It is uncountable. Confusing it with 'acronym'. Using it for mild annoyance instead of deep bitterness.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following situations BEST exemplifies 'acrimony'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a low-frequency, formal word most often encountered in written English, particularly in news, legal, or academic contexts describing serious conflicts.
Not typically. It implies a sustained, deep-seated bitterness, not a brief spat. Words like 'quarrel' or 'row' are better for short arguments.
They are close synonyms. 'Acrimony' strongly emphasises the bitter, sharp, and caustic *expression* of hostility (often in speech/writing). 'Animosity' is a broader feeling of strong dislike or opposition, which may or may not be openly expressed.
It is exclusively a noun (an uncountable, abstract noun). The related adjective is 'acrimonious' and the adverb is 'acrimoniously'.
Explore