noun

ingratitude

in-GRAT-ih-tood/ɪnˈɡrætɪtuːd/

Lack of thankfulness for help or kindness received.

Ignoring the thoughtful gift shows ingratitude.

A recipient leaves an unopened thoughtful gift aside and ignores the giver, clear failure to appreciate kindness.

Etymology

inLatinnot

+gratLatinpleasing, agreeable

+itudeLatinstate or quality

“Not” and “pleasing” underlie Latin ingratus, which also meant “ungrateful.” The quality ending turns that sense into a name for failing to acknowledge or reciprocate kindness.

In context

Vivid Audio Library545:23

It was not surprising that they should hang back with faint hearts, having returned so much kindness with such deep ingratitude.

The Warden by Anthony Trollope | Full Classic Victorian British Literature Audiobook

More examples

She was surprised by their apparent ingratitude.
The story contrasts generosity with ingratitude.
He apologized for his ingratitude.

Forms

ingratitude

ungrateful adjective — not appreciative of kindness

Similar words

ungratefulness: Ungratefulness is a direct everyday equivalent for ingratitude.
indifference: Indifference is lack of interest; ingratitude specifically fails to appreciate a benefit received.