offending
Committing a wrong
Offending describes whatever causes offense, harm, or trouble.
The offending party is the one at fault.
An offending remark is the one that upset someone.
In practical contexts, the offending item is simply the problematic one: The mechanic removed the offending part.
The word often carries a hint of irony or understatement when applied to minor irritants.
Causing loss of respect
- derogatoryExpressing criticism or disrespect
- disparagingExpressing negative judgment
- belittlingExpressing contempt or dismissiveness
- degradingLowering in worth
disrespectful · insolent · contemptuous · mocking · sneering · condescending · patronizing · scornful
Causing physical injury
- harmfulCausing damage or injury
- upsettingCausing emotional turmoil
- distressingCausing anguish or worry
- painfulCausing hurt or ache
injurious · damaging · insensitive · objectionable · abusive · toxic · troubling · disturbing
Infringing upon established rules
- breachingBreaking through something
- contraveningViolating a law
- transgressingViolating a rule or boundary
- trespassingUnauthorized presence on property
encroaching · infringing · flouting · overstepping · disregarding · defying · disobeying · noncompliant
One who commits wrongdoing
- lawbreakerOne who commits crimes
- culpritPerson found guilty
- recidivistHabitual criminal returner
- delinquentFailing in duty
convict · felon · transgressor · violator · wrongdoer · probationer · parolee · defendant
Tending to provoke outrage
- incendiaryCausing or designed for burning
- contentiousInclined toward disagreement
- controversialCausing public dispute
- polarizingCausing sharp division
divisive · agitating · rabble-rousing · inciting · antagonizing · provoking · goading · baiting
demeaning
Causing loss of respect
- derogatoryExpressing criticism or disrespect
- disparagingExpressing negative judgment
- belittlingExpressing contempt or dismissiveness
degrading · disrespectful · insolent · contemptuous · mocking · sneering · condescending · patronizing · scornful · slighting
wounding
Causing physical injury
- harmfulCausing damage or injury
- upsettingCausing emotional turmoil
- distressingCausing anguish or worry
painful · injurious · damaging · insensitive · objectionable · abusive · toxic · troubling · disturbing · unpleasant
violating
Infringing upon established rules
- breachingBreaking through something
- contraveningViolating a law
- transgressingViolating a rule or boundary
trespassing · encroaching · infringing · flouting · overstepping · disregarding · defying · disobeying · noncompliant · unauthorized
perpetrator
One who commits wrongdoing
- lawbreakerOne who commits crimes
- culpritPerson found guilty
- recidivistHabitual criminal returner
delinquent · convict · felon · transgressor · violator · wrongdoer · probationer · parolee · defendant · accused
inflammatory
Tending to provoke outrage
- incendiaryCausing or designed for burning
- contentiousInclined toward disagreement
- controversialCausing public dispute
polarizing · divisive · agitating · rabble-rousing · inciting · antagonizing · provoking · goading · baiting · confrontational
odor
Perceived atmospheric emission
malodorous · noisome · rank · fetid · putrid · noxious · unpleasant · pungent · acrid · reeking
- offendinginsulting, disrespecting, affronting, slighting, snubbing
- at faultguilty, at fault, to blame, culpable, blameworthy
offendingpleasing
Causing enjoyment or satisfaction
delighting · gratifying · inoffensive · unoffending · charming
offendingcomplying
Following rules or requests
obeying · conforming · law-abiding · adhering · observing
offendinginnocent
Free from moral wrong
blameless · guilt-free · guiltless · law-abiding · impeccable