schadenfreude
Definition
Meaning: Schadenfreude (noun) is the feeling of pleasure or satisfaction that comes from seeing someone else’s misfortune or failure.
La signification : Schadenfreude (nom) désigne le plaisir ressenti face aux malheurs ou aux échecs des autres.
Example: "He felt a bit of schadenfreude when his arrogant coworker got demoted."
Grammar: Noun (uncountable). Often used in psychological, literary, or informal contexts. No plural form. Often preceded by “a sense of.”
Quote: "To feel envy is human, to savour schadenfreude is devilish." [Arthur Schopenhauer]
N.B.: This word is borrowed from German and is not translated in English. In French, it can be rendered as "joie malveillante" or "jouir du malheur des autres."
Word Analysis
Français »» Joie malveillante »» Jouissance du malheur d'autrui »» Méchante satisfaction Ⓐ Il a ressenti une joie malveillante en voyant son rival échouer. Ⓑ Ce sentiment de schadenfreude le mettait mal à l’aise. English »» Pleasure at others’ misfortune »» Gloating »» Malicious joy Ⓐ She couldn’t hide her schadenfreude when her ex got dumped. Ⓑ There was an uncomfortable schadenfreude in the room when the boss slipped up.
Dialogue
Sam: "Did you see Greg fall off his hoverboard again?"
Tina: "I know I shouldn't laugh... but I kind of enjoyed it."
Sam: "That’s pure schadenfreude right there!"
Tina: "Well, maybe he shouldn’t act like he’s better than everyone."
Poem Extract
Ms. Schadenfreude on Pestilence [excerpt]
Ms. Schadenfreude on Pestilence
It must have been in a Sunday sermon
that she first heard the word—
something God had sent
to punish sinners before
and could very well send again.
Exactly what that something was
she did not know, though she did
have a few transgressors in mind
as worthy candidates for whatever
it might entail—
--Grace Bauer
Read the Full Poem
Etymology
Origin: The noun schadenfreude is borrowed directly from German, combining Schaden (“damage, harm”) and Freude (“joy”). It literally means “harm-joy.” The term was first used in English texts in the mid-19th century, but only gained broader recognition in the late 20th century.
Modern Usage: Schadenfreude is now widely used in English, especially in psychological, literary, and pop culture contexts. Despite its foreign roots, it has no exact synonym in English, which has helped cement its place in modern vocabulary.
Grammar Note: Schadenfreude is an uncountable noun and is typically preceded by phrases like “a feeling of” or “a sense of.” Example: “She couldn’t help but feel a bit of schadenfreude.”
Audience
Schadenfreude (noun) is used in educated and informal English contexts, especially among readers familiar with psychological or cultural vocabulary. It often appears in journalism, satire, and social commentary.
When to use: Use schadenfreude to describe the guilty pleasure felt when someone else faces misfortune—especially if the feeling is ironic, involuntary, or culturally revealing. Example: “There was an unmistakable sense of schadenfreude when the celebrity’s scandal hit the news.”
Extra! Extra!
For a fun and engaging exploration of our word of the day, watch the following…Schadenfreude Explained
How to pronounce 'schadenfreude'
WordReference
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Common Idioms & Expressions Related to "schadenfreude"
Schadenfreude
Pleasure derived from someone else's misfortune or failure.
Example: "He felt a wave of schadenfreude when the arrogant boss slipped on stage."
Gloating
Acting triumphantly or smugly, especially over someone else's loss or trouble.
Example: "She couldn’t stop gloating after beating her rival in court."
Taking pleasure in someone’s downfall
Feeling happy or satisfied when someone else fails or suffers.
Example: "Admit it—you’re taking pleasure in his downfall a little too much."
Smug satisfaction
Quiet self-satisfaction, often at someone else's expense or mistake.
Example: "He smiled with smug satisfaction as his critics stumbled."
Mean-spirited joy
Enjoyment that comes from being unkind or seeing others struggle.
Example: "There was a hint of mean-spirited joy in her voice."
Cruel amusement
Entertainment found in others' embarrassment, pain, or failure.
Example: "He watched with cruel amusement as the prank unfolded."
Malicious joy
Joy that arises from a harmful or hurtful situation affecting others.
Example: "There was a flicker of malicious joy in his eyes."
A sense of superiority
Feeling better than others, especially when they make mistakes or fail.
Example: "Her sense of superiority was obvious when others got things wrong."
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