ingratitude

noun an-grah-tee-TOOD Rare

Origin: Latin ingratitudo

Usage Note

Ingratitude describes the failure to acknowledge or repay a kindness, and carries a strong moral weight in French culture. The opposite is gratitude or reconnaissance. The adjective ingrat (ungrateful) is its common companion, as in enfant ingrat.

Examples

"Son ingratitude m'a blessé profondément."

Natural Translation

His ingratitude hurt me deeply.

Literal Translation

His ingratitude me-has wounded deeply.

Related Words

Explore French by topic

FrenchNow

Faire in French: To Make, To Do, and More

Faire in French means more than make and do: master faire vs rendre, weather and sports idioms, the causative, and the mistakes English speakers make.

June 4, 2026 6 min read

FrenchNow

The Bonjour Rule: French Etiquette for Visitors

Always say bonjour before you ask, order, or pay in France — the unspoken rule that opens every door. A respectful visitor's guide to French etiquette.

June 4, 2026 6 min read

FrenchNow

Passé Composé vs Imparfait: When to Use Each

Passé composé tells the story; imparfait paints the scene. Use this 2-second flowchart, trigger words, and paired examples to pick the right French tense.

June 3, 2026 6 min read

FrenchNow

Sorry in French: Désolé vs Pardon vs Excusez-moi

Use désolé for genuine regret, pardon to bump or squeeze past, and excusez-moi to get attention. A situation-by-situation guide to saying sorry in French.

June 4, 2026 5 min read