adjective

passive aggressive

PA-siv uh-GREH-siv

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Passive aggressive (adjective) means expressing anger or hostility indirectly rather than saying it outright, through sulking, backhanded compliments, deliberate delay or pretended agreement. Example: “Replying 'fine, whatever' and then doing nothing is classic passive aggressive behaviour.”

adjective

Expressing anger or hostility indirectly rather than saying it outright, through sulking, backhanded compliments, deliberate delay or pretended agreement.

"Replying 'fine, whatever' and then doing nothing is classic passive aggressive behaviour."

"She left a passive aggressive note on the fridge about the washing-up."

technical, dated In older clinical psychiatry, describing a personality pattern marked by chronic resistance to demands through procrastination, stubbornness and inefficiency rather than open refusal.

"Passive aggressive personality disorder was removed from the main DSM classification and is no longer a standard diagnosis."

How to use passive aggressive

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishBeing angry with someone but showing it in sneaky, indirect ways instead of saying so.

When to use it

Informal and extremely common in everyday speech. Often hyphenated when it comes before a noun: a passive-aggressive email.

Memory tip

Hyphenate before a noun ('a passive-aggressive text') but you can leave the hyphen out after the verb ('he was being passive aggressive').

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

assertive → aggressive → conflict-avoidant

Common pairings

passive aggressive behaviour passive aggressive note passive aggressive comment being passive aggressive

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Test yourself on “passive aggressive” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

Replying 'fine, whatever' and then doing nothing is classic _____ behaviour.

Etymology

A compound of passive and aggressive, describing behaviour that is outwardly passive but aggressive in intent.

Origin: English

Synonyms

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indirect underhand snide catty

Antonyms

direct assertive forthright

Related words

place point head control lead straight focus train

Rhymes for passive aggressive

five give dive live olive drive alive dative endive strive derive active

See all rhymes for passive aggressive →

Frequently asked questions

What are examples of passive aggressive behaviour?

Common examples include the silent treatment, saying 'I'm fine' in a tone that clearly means the opposite, agreeing to do something and then doing it badly or late on purpose, and backhanded compliments like 'that's brave of you to wear'. The pattern is hostility delivered in a form the person can deny.

What is the difference between passive aggressive and assertive?

Assertive means stating your needs or objections clearly and respectfully so the other person knows where they stand. Passive aggressive means feeling the same objection but hiding it behind sarcasm, delay or sulking, so the other person is left guessing.

Is passive aggressive a mental illness?

No. It describes a communication style, not a disorder. Passive-aggressive personality disorder appeared in older editions of the DSM but was moved out of the main classification and is not a current standard diagnosis.

What is the meaning of passive aggressive?

"passive aggressive" (adjective) means expressing anger or hostility indirectly rather than saying it outright, through sulking, backhanded compliments, deliberate delay or pretended agreement.

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