Backbiting

usgb/ˈbækbaɪtɪŋ/
noun

Talking badly about someone when they are not present.

She was tired of the constant backbiting at her workplace.
Visual representation of "backbiting" - Talking badly about someone when they are not present.

Often appears as...

  • engage in backbiting
  • stop backbiting

Usage tips

Disapproving

Definition 1 of 1
Visual representation of "backbiting"
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Negative Connotation

Backbiting always implies negativity and should not be used to describe neutral or positive comments.

Illustration for Negative Connotation
The meeting started with unnecessary backbiting about absent colleagues.
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Informal Settings

Often used in informal conversations, but it can appear in formal contexts as a criticism of behavior.

Illustration for Informal Settings
During the lunch break, there was some backbiting about the new policy.
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Emotional Impact

Using 'backbiting' can convey the emotional harm caused by speaking ill of someone not present.

Illustration for Emotional Impact
His backbiting hurt my reputation and feelings.
Visual representation of the word "Backbiting"

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