bitter

Universal Words adjective, noun adjective HELPNOTE more bitter and most bitter are the usual comparative and superlative forms, but bitterest can also be used. 1 (of arguments, disputes, etc.) very fierce and unpleasant, with a lot of anger and hatred involved: a long and bitter dispute 2 (of people) feeling angry and unhappy because you feel that you have been treated unfairly: She is very bitter about losing her job. 3 [usuallybeforenoun] making you feel very unhappy; caused by great unhappiness: to weep / shed bitter tears * Losing the match was a bitter disappointment for the team. * I've learnt from bitter experience not to trust what he says. 4 (of food, etc) having a strong, unpleasant taste; not sweet: Black coffee leaves a bitter taste in the mouth. compareSWEET 5 (of weather conditions) extremely cold and unpleasant: bitter cold * a bitter wind * It's really bitter out today. bitterness noun [U]: The pay cut caused bitterness among the staff. * The flowers of the hop plant add bitterness to the beer. IDIOMS a bitter pill (for sb) (to swallow) a fact or an event that is unpleasant and difficult to accept: The election defeat was a bitter pill for the party to swallow. to / until the bitter end continuing until you have done everything you can, or until sth is completely finished, in spite of difficulties and problems: They were prepared to fight to the bitter end for their rights. noun (BrE) 1 [U,C] a type of beer with a dark colour and a strong bitter taste, that is very popular in Britain: A pint of bitter, please. compareMILD 2 (bitters) [U+sing./pl.v.] a strong bitter alcoholic liquid that is made from plants and added to other alcoholic drinks to give flavour: gin with a dash of bitters