Learn English – What’s it called when you unfairly wrong someone just because you don’t like them

single-word-requestsword-choice

For example: if a teacher marks a students work down just because they don't like the student. Or if a McDonald's worker only fills your coffee cup half way because they remember the last time when you complained about your chips being cold.

I'm not even sure there is a word for the way that person is behaving – 'Stop being so _____?'.

I want to say jealous/revenge/karma/awkward/mean but those words just don't seem to fit. Thank you for your help.

Best Answer

...because they remember the last time...

out of grudge

A persistent feeling of ill will or resentment resulting from a past insult or injury:

I’ve never been one to hold a grudge

EDIT: As JR points out, 'out of grudge' isn't a very common phrase. (A paltry 1500 hits on Google books)


... just because they don't like the student...

out of spite

A desire to hurt, annoy, or offend someone:

he’d think I was saying it out of spite


Stop being so spiteful