cantankerous
Say it: kan-TANG-kuh-rus /kanˈtaŋk(ə)rəs/ · adjective
What “cantankerous” means
Grumpy, argumentative and unwilling to cooperate.
More precisely: Bad-tempered, argumentative and uncooperative.
Example: “Our cantankerous neighbour complains about every delivery van on the street.”
When to use it
When someone grumbles, picks arguments and makes cooperation difficult. A critical word that can sound affectionately amused.
Similar words
grumpy, crotchety, irritable
Quick check
During a shared tidy-up, one person complains about every suggestion and refuses to help move anything. They're…
outspoken or cantankerous?
Show the answer
cantankerous
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