begrudge

verb

be·​grudge bi-ˈgrəj 

bē-

begrudged; begrudging; begrudges

transitive verb

1

: to give or concede reluctantly or with displeasure

begrudge money

begrudged the weeks spent away from home

2

: to look upon with disapproval or envy

begrudge their rivals' success

begrudger

bi-ˈgrə-jər 

bē-

noun

Synonyms

• envy
• resent

Examples of begrudge in a Sentence

She's worked hard to get where she is. You shouldn't begrudge her the success she's earned.

After what he's been through, it's hard to begrudge him the money he has.

You shouldn't begrudge her success.

Many commuters begrudge every minute spent in traffic.

Recent Examples on the Web

On the subject of injuries, given the rotten luck he’s had, surely no one would begrudge Kei Nishikori a last flourish in his career. —Charlie Eccleshare, The Athletic, 6 Jan. 2025

Her success in these projects, especially the latter, bespeaks a wider market than mere tabloid chasers and also, since even critics of her personal life won’t begrudge the work, the fickleness of gossip. —Lauren Michele Jackson, The New Yorker, 18 Dec. 2024

Could anyone begrudge flagship club Leipzig toppling one of the sides with Super League-hungry owners in a European knockout tie? —Henry Flynn, Forbes, 16 Jan. 2025

Every time Travis says something, everyone shakes their head with begrudging fondness. 10. —Kathryn Vanarendonk, Vulture, 16 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English begrucchen, from be- be- + grucchen, gruggen "to murmur, grudge entry 1"

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

begrudge

verb

be·​grudge bi-ˈgrəj 

: to give or do reluctantly

begrudge a person a favor

begrudgingly

-ˈgrəj-iŋ-lē 

adverb