passive-aggressive

adjective

pas·​sive-ag·​gres·​sive ˈpa-siv-ə-ˈgre-siv 

: being, marked by, or displaying behavior characterized by the expression of negative feelings, resentment, and aggression in an unassertive passive way (as through procrastination and stubbornness)

It is passive-aggressive behavior, the donning of a mask of amiability that conceals raw antagonism toward one's competitors, even one's friends.

—Hilary De Vries

A passive-aggressive manager eschews open hostilities, in part because he feels distinctly uncomfortable with them.

—Walter Kiechel III

passive-aggressive noun

Examples of passive-aggressive in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

And yet, many of us are eager for more conversations across divides, or meetings filled with robust debates rather than passive-aggressive silence. —Julia Dhar, Forbes, 30 Oct. 2024

Your mom's behavior is unwelcoming and extremely passive-aggressive (maybe just aggressive?). —Virginia Chamlee, People.com, 29 Oct. 2024

This square can also trigger passive-aggressive behavior or emotional outbursts, as the protective energy of Mars in Cancer clashes with the sun in Libra’s diplomacy and fairness. —Valerie Mesa, People.com, 13 Oct. 2024

If the original ’90s shoegaze was the scene that celebrated itself, hyperpop is the scene that denies its own existence, perpetually locked in an identity crisis like a passive-aggressive teen. —Kieran Press-Reynolds, Pitchfork, 3 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1945, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

passive-aggressive

1 of 2 adjective

: being, marked by, or displaying behavior characterized by expression of negative feelings, resentment, and aggression in an unassertive way (as through procrastination, stubbornness, and unwillingness to communicate)

a passive-aggressive personality

passive-aggressively adverb

passive-aggressive

2 of 2 noun

: a passive-aggressive individual