1. the quality of being unkind, spiteful, or cruel in behavior or attitude
2. the quality of being unwilling to spend money or share possessions; stinginess
3. the quality of being of poor quality or low social status
Usage: somewhat dated

Examples

• His meanness toward his younger brother was shocking.
• She was hurt by the meanness of his comments.
• The old man’s meanness with money was legendary in the neighborhood.
• Her meanness prevented her from donating to charity.
• The meanness of their living conditions was heartbreaking.
• I was surprised by the meanness of the accommodations.
• The teacher addressed the meanness between the students.