Acerbity

Pronunciation: /ˈeɪsɝˈbaɪˈtaɪ/

Acerbity (noun)

  1. The quality of being sharply critical or unkind in what you say, often in a way that hurts feelings.
  2. A strong, unpleasant sharpness, especially in taste or in a feeling that seems harsh.

Examples

  • Her acerbity made the feedback feel harsher than intended.
  • The report’s acerbity surprised everyone in the meeting.