backbiting

/ˈbækˌbaɪtɪŋ/

NOUN

1. Slanderous talk about an absent person

The act of speaking maliciously or unfairly about someone who is not present, especially by spreading damaging or disparaging remarks.

Speaking negatively about an absent person, often by sharing personal information, rumors, or unkind judgments behind their back.

Making spiteful, damaging, or contemptuous remarks intended to undermine another person's reputation or standing.

The manager discouraged backbiting that damaged employees' reputations.
Their professional relationship suffered because of persistent disparagement.
The public dispute was intensified by malicious remarks about the opposing candidate.

VERB

To make spiteful, critical, or defamatory statements about someone when that person is absent or unable to respond.

Describes the act of criticizing, gossiping about, or spreading damaging statements about someone without their knowledge.

The coworkers continued to backbite about their supervisor after she left the room.
It is unkind to backbite about friends instead of discussing problems with them directly.
The group stopped backbiting once they agreed to address disagreements openly.

ADJECTIVE

Characterized by speaking negatively, spitefully, or unfairly about people, particularly when they are absent.

Describes speech, comments, or behavior involving spiteful criticism or damaging statements about other people.