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Definition of pettiness

pettiness

/ˈpɛt.i.nəs/
pet · ti · ness
Adverb:pettily
•
Plural:pettinesses
•
Adjective:petty
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pettiness Lexical Profile

pettiness Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

The quality of being small-minded, spiteful, or overly concerned with trivial faults and minor grievances.

Example

"The neighbors let their mutual pettiness turn a minor parking dispute into a months-long feud."

2

The state or quality of being trivial, minor, or of little importance.

Example

"Given the severity of the budget crisis, the committee was frustrated by the pettiness of the proposed amendments."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for pettiness

• Nearby Words

petrorhagia
petticoat
pettily
pettiness
petting
petty
petulance

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed in Middle English from the adjective 'petty' (borrowed from Old French 'petit', meaning 'small') combined with the native suffix '-ness'.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Pettiness. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/pettiness
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