1. harshness or severity of manner, speech, or temper; bitterness

Examples

• The critic’s acerbity made even seasoned actors nervous.
• Her acerbity increased as the meeting dragged on without resolution.
• The professor was known for the acerbity of his comments on student papers.
• Despite his acerbity, he was respected for his honest feedback.
• The acerbity in her voice revealed her true feelings about the proposal.
• His acerbity toward incompetence was legendary in the office.