vindictive

UK: /vɪnˈdɪktɪv/ US: /vɪnˈdɪktɪv/ ,(vin dik′tiv)

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2026

vin•dic•tive /vɪnˈdɪktɪv/   adj. 

1. eager for revenge;
   vengeful:
   a vindictive loser.

vin•dic•tive•ly, adv. 
vin•dic•tive•ness, n. [uncountable]

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2026

vin•dic•tive  (vin dik′tiv), adj. 

1. disposed or inclined to revenge;
   vengeful:
   a vindictive person.
2. proceeding from or showing a revengeful spirit:
   vindictive rumors.

• Latin vindict(a) vengeance + -ive
• 1610–20

vin•dic′tive•ly, adv. 
vin•dic′tive•ness, n. 
Synonyms

• 1. unforgiving. See spiteful. 

Antonyms

• 1. forgiving.

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

vindictive / vɪnˈdɪktɪv/ adjective

1. disposed to seek vengeance
2. characterized by spite or rancour
3. (of damages) in excess of the compensation due to the plaintiff and imposed in punishment of the defendant

Etymology: 17th Century: from Latin vindicta revenge, from vindicāre to vindicate

vinˈdictively adverb

vinˈdictiveness noun