To begrudge means to feel resentment or envy about something someone else has, or to give something unwillingly because you wish you didn't have to. When you begrudge your sister her success on the soccer team, you can't quite celebrate with her because you're too busy feeling jealous. When someone begrudges spending money on a gift, they give it reluctantly, wishing they could keep the money instead.

The word captures a specific sourness of spirit. You might be happy for a friend who wins an award, or you might begrudge them their victory, feeling bitter that it wasn't you. A boss might begrudge employees their vacation days, resenting every hour they're away. Someone might begrudge the time spent doing chores, doing each task with the absolute minimum effort.

Begrudging something often reveals a feeling of unfairness or scarcity: a sense that there isn't enough success, recognition, or resources to go around. The opposite of begrudging is giving freely and celebrating genuinely.