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

Extended, electrifying dialogue sequences allow Vargas to sketch harsh dynamics, every fight and passive-aggressive gesture tightening the screws on Rico and his bad choices. —Samantha Bergeson, IndieWire, 5 Mar. 2025

In reality, that kind of culture often encourages passive-aggressive behavior, gossip and a lack of accountability. —Margaret Graziano, Forbes, 5 Mar. 2025

Guy Pearce is an antagonistic delight wielding passive-aggressive hostility as the main character’s benefactor, and Felicity Jones, as the architect’s loyal wife, is the heart of the piece who steps up when her spouse can’t. —Patrick Ryan, USA TODAY, 1 Mar. 2025

The whole thing is just DeGeneres doing her ruminating, low-key, slightly passive-aggressive jokes. —Bill Wyman, Vulture, 28 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1945, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for passive-aggressive

• immunosuppressive
• aggressive
• compressive
• concessive
• depressive
• excessive
• expressive
• impressive
• obsessive
• oppressive
• possessive
• progressive

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