angry about something unfair

indignant

adjective|/ɪnˈdɪɡ.nənt/

Feeling or showing anger at perceived unfair treatment

Examples

In a meeting

The team was indignant when their proposal was rejected without review.

Over coffee

She was indignant that they charged her for a service she never requested.

Why this word

angry

Indignant specifies anger arising from perceived injustice or unfair treatment, while angry is a general term for displeasure without indicating the moral dimension

offended

Indignant conveys righteous anger at perceived wrongdoing or mistreatment, while offended suggests hurt feelings or taking something personally without the element of moral outrage

upset

Indignant denotes anger specifically rooted in a sense of injustice or violated dignity, while upset is a milder, more general term for emotional distress of any kind

Usage tip

Use when describing righteous anger triggered by injustice. Implies the anger is justified and stems from violated principles or fairness.

Etymology

Latin 'indignari' (to regard as unworthy) from 'in-' (not) + 'dignus' (worthy)

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