mean-spirited
UK: ˌmiːn ˈspɪrɪtɪd | US: ˌmin ˈspɪrɪtɪd
adj. lacking generosity or kindness; petty or uncharitable in attitude
The word combines "mean" (from Old English gemǣne, meaning "common" or "low," later evolving to imply pettiness) and "spirited" (from Latin spiritus, "breath" or "soul"). The compound emerged in the 17th century to describe someone whose fundamental nature ("spirit") is characterized by small-mindedness ("mean"). The suffix "-ed" turns it into an adjective, solidifying its modern sense of ungenerous behavior.
His mean-spirited comments ruined the celebratory mood.
The policy was criticized as mean-spirited toward vulnerable groups.
She refused to engage in mean-spirited gossip.
A mean-spirited attitude often stems from insecurity.
The debate turned mean-spirited when personal attacks began.