ingratitude
C1/C2Formal, literary.
Definition
Meaning
The state or quality of not being grateful; lack of thankfulness.
The failure or refusal to acknowledge or reciprocate a kindness, benefit, or favour received, often perceived as a moral failing or a character flaw.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
A non-count noun. Often used in contexts of moral condemnation or lament. Implies a conscious or negligent omission of expected acknowledgment or thanks, not mere forgetfulness. Associated with feelings of disappointment or betrayal in the person who showed the original kindness.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in definition, spelling, or usage. Both varieties use the word identically.
Connotations
Identical strong negative connotations in both varieties.
Frequency
Slightly more common in written, formal, or literary contexts than in casual speech in both regions.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[verb] + ingratitude (e.g., show, demonstrate, reward with, meet with)[adjective] + ingratitude (e.g., sheer, base)ingratitude + [preposition] + [person/act] (e.g., ingratitude towards her benefactor)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “bite the hand that feeds you”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare. May appear in formal complaints about a partner or client who failed to acknowledge significant support, e.g., 'Their subsequent lawsuit was an act of sheer ingratitude for our years of investment.'
Academic
Used in literary criticism, history, philosophy, and ethics to discuss moral character, social bonds, or themes in texts.
Everyday
Used in serious discussions to express strong disappointment, e.g., 'After all I did for him, his ingratitude is heartbreaking.'
Technical
Not applicable.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The word 'ingratiate' is related but means to bring oneself into favour. Not a direct verb form of ingratitude.
American English
- The word 'ingratiate' is related but means to bring oneself into favour. Not a direct verb form of ingratitude.
adverb
British English
- He ungratefully refused the offer they had worked so hard to secure.
American English
- She ungrateably dismissed the gift, which hurt their feelings.
adjective
British English
- He was accused of being an ungrateful wretch.
- Her thankless attitude was noted by all.
American English
- They were labeled ungrateful after rejecting the help.
- His thankless behaviour lost him many friends.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- His ingratitude made his parents very sad.
- To forget to say thank you is a form of ingratitude.
- After all her support, she was met with nothing but ingratitude.
- The politician's ingratitude towards his early supporters was widely criticised.
- The sheer ingratitude of his actions, repaying years of mentorship with public criticism, was astounding.
- Literary history is replete with tales of patronage rewarded with base ingratitude.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: IN (not) + GRATITUDE. It's the IN-side (negative side) of GRATITUDE.
Conceptual Metaphor
INGRATITUDE IS A DEBT (moral/emotional debt left unpaid). INGRATITUDE IS A POISON/WOUND (it harms relationships). INGRATITUDE IS BLINDNESS (failure to see kindness).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct translation of Russian constructions like 'неблагодарность' for minor slights; 'ingratitude' is stronger. The Russian word is used more broadly. English 'ingratitude' typically describes a profound failure to acknowledge a significant favour.
Common Mistakes
- Using as a countable noun (*an ingratitude). Incorrect: 'He did an ingratitude.' Correct: 'He showed ingratitude.' Confusing with 'ingrate' (noun for an ungrateful person).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the BEST synonym for 'sheer ingratitude' in a formal context?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it's more common in formal writing, literature, or serious discussion. In everyday speech, people are more likely to say 'ungrateful' or 'thankless'.
No, it is strictly an uncountable (mass) noun. You cannot have 'an ingratitude' or 'several ingratitudes'. You can only refer to 'such ingratitude' or 'acts of ingratitude'.
'Ingratitude' is the abstract quality or behaviour of being ungrateful. An 'ingrate' is a person who displays ingratitude; it's a personal noun, often derogatory.
It is a common idiom expressing the same core concept as 'ingratitude' but is more vivid and metaphorical. It can often be used in the same contexts to mean 'to show ingratitude to a benefactor'.