Definition of INVIDIOUS

invidious

Adjective Satellite

  • containing or implying a slight or showing prejudice
    • "invidious comparisons"

Adj

  • Causing ill will, envy, or offense.
  • Offensively or unfairly discriminating.
  • Envious, jealous.
  • Detestable, hateful, or odious. (Often used in cases of perceived unfairness, or when facing a difficult situation or choice — especially in the phrase invidious position.)

Examples

  • The sales representative was in an invidious position: she could either get to the meeting on time but with nothing to show the client, or pick up the product samples while the client was kept waiting. Neither one would make a favourable impression!

Origin / Etymology

Borrowed from Latin invidiōsus, from invidia (“envy, ill will”), from in- (“upon”) + videō (“I see”); the meaning developed from “look back at” to “look askance at” to “envy.” Doublet of envious, from Old French.

Synonyms

discriminatory

Scrabble Score: 13

invidious: valid Scrabble (US) TWL Word
invidious: valid Scrabble Word in Merriam-Webster MW Dictionary
invidious: valid Scrabble Word in International Collins CSW Dictionary

Words With Friends Score: 16

invidious: valid Words With Friends Word