Is cantankerous formal or informal?

What's the difference between cantankerous and grumpy?

How do I use cantankerous in a sentence?

Is cantankerous a common word in academic writing?

← Dictionary

cantankerous

/kænˈtæŋkərəs/

IELTSAcademic

adjective

bad-tempered and often rude; prone to anger or complaints.

He gave a cantankerous reply to a simple question.
She is known for her cantankerous attitude at work.

Adinary Nuance

Contrast with irascible (more intense, quicker anger), peevish (childish impatience), and crabby (colloquial, milder). Choose cantankerous when describing a stubborn, difficult person, often in writing or formal speech.

In other languages

Spanish: de mal genio
Japanese: 不機嫌な
Korean: 성질 나쁜
Vietnamese: tộc tính cá tính
Chinese: 脾气坏的

Etymology

From Middle English, influenced by Old French; shows a long literary history of describing grumpy people.

Common phrases

cantankerous old mancantankerous behaviourin a cantankerous mood

Synonyms

irritable grumpy bad-tempered peevish

Frequently asked questions

Is cantankerous formal or informal?: Is cantankerous formal or informal?
What's the difference between cantankerous and grumpy?: What's the difference between cantankerous and grumpy?
How do I use cantankerous in a sentence?: How do I use cantankerous in a sentence?
Is cantankerous a common word in academic writing?: Is cantankerous a common word in academic writing?