invidious
in-VID-ee-usadjMeaning likely to stir up envy or resentment; unfair
Memory hook in-VID: comparisons that stir ENVY. “Why can’t you be more like your sister?” Aunt Greta asks, pointing at Ivy’s trophy while Zoe looks on: the comparison is invidious.
It is invidious to compare brothers’ report cards in front of the whole family.
In context The principal refused to name a “best class,” saying such invidious rankings would only make the other classes feel resentful and unfairly judged.
Similar unfair, hurtful, resentment-stirring
Opposite fair, inoffensive, harmless
From Latin invidiosus, “causing envy,” from invidia (envy), from invidere (to look at with envy).