ə̇nˈvidēəs adjective
Etymology: Latin invidiosus, from invidia envy + -osus -ose — more at envy
1. : detrimental to reputation : defamatory
the invidious implication of the phrase is … against those who pursue self-interest through politics — Felix Frankfurter
2. : likely to cause discontent or animosity or envy
the four confidential advisers of the crown soon found that their position was embarrassing and invidious — T.B.Macaulay
3. : full of envious resentment : jealous
his professional abilities as an officer … had to stand invidious scrutiny — J.G.Cozzens
4.
a. : of an unpleasant or objectionable nature : hateful , obnoxious
invidious remarks that were sometimes neither kind nor true — John Hurkan
b. : causing harm or resentment : injurious
would be invidious to select for special mention a more or less haphazard list of names — Survey Graphic
far from our purpose to institute any invidious comparisons between these two gifted women — Eugene Field
Synonyms: see hateful