1
Core quality
Angry or offended because something is perceived as unjust, insulting, or unfair.
Example
Residents were indignant at being excluded from the meeting.
indignant
/ɪnˈdɪɡnənt/ · in-DIG-nuntadjective
Angry or offended because something is perceived as unjust, insulting, or unfair.
Use indignant to express this relationship precisely: angry or offended because something is perceived as unjust, insulting, or unfair.
What indignant Really Means
The word becomes easier to use when its closely related senses are separated and compared.
2
Attributive or predicative use
Use this adjective before a suitable noun or after a linking verb such as be or seem.
Example
She issued an indignant denial of the accusation.
3
Analytical distinction
Choose it when this exact descriptive quality matters; a related word may overlap without conveying the same trait.
Example
His anger was indignant rather than merely impatient.
Use indignant Naturally
Notice how the surrounding noun or clause reveals the exact shade of meaning.
Residents were indignant at being excluded from the meeting.
She issued an indignant denial of the accusation.
His anger was indignant rather than merely impatient.
Precision Matters
Indignant overlaps with several common words, but each carries a different emphasis.
indignant
vs.Means angry or offended because something is perceived as unjust, insulting, or unfair.
contrite
Means genuinely sorry, remorseful, and ashamed about one's wrongdoing.
indignant
vs.Means angry or offended because something is perceived as unjust, insulting, or unfair.
nonchalant
Means appearing casually calm, unconcerned, or indifferent, especially in a situation that might provoke anxiety.
indignant
vs.Means angry or offended because something is perceived as unjust, insulting, or unfair.
vitriolic
Means filled with bitter hatred, venomous hostility, or extremely harsh criticism.
indignant
vs.Means angry or offended because something is perceived as unjust, insulting, or unfair.
querulous
Means habitually complaining, whining, or expressing dissatisfaction in an irritable way.
Test indignant in Context
Their anger arises from perceived unfairness.
1
Workers became ___ when bonuses were awarded only to managers who had caused the losses.