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hostile work environment JUST WRITTEN FOR YOU

/hɒsˈtaɪl wɜːrk ɛnˈvɪɹənmənt/ · hos·ti·le work en·vi·ron·ment
noun
  1. A work environment in which an employee or group of employees is subjected to intimidation, harassment, or discrimination, creating a condition that is difficult or impossible to work in. The company was sued for creating a hostile work environment by allowing a manager to consistently belittle and humiliate employees.
noun
  1. A situation in which an individual or group feels unwelcome, uncomfortable, or threatened in a workplace due to factors such as bullying, favoritism, or unequal treatment. The new employee felt like she was in a hostile work environment due to the constant gossip and exclusion by her coworkers.
Did you know? The concept of a hostile work environment has been recognized by the US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) since 1986, and has been a focus of employment law and workplace safety initiatives ever since.
Written by Lexi Wordsworth, Dictionary Editor 0 lookups Added Jul 15, 2026