crying

[ krahy-ing ]

adjective

1. demanding attention or remedy; critical; severe:

   a crying evil.

2. reprehensible; odious; notorious:

   a crying shame.

crying

/ ˈkraɪɪŋ /

adjective

1. prenominal notorious; lamentable (esp in the phrase crying shame )

Other Words From

• crying·ly adverb
• un·crying adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of crying¹

First recorded in 1300–50, crying is from the Middle English word cryenge. See cry, -ing ²

Example Sentences

“Some students arrived at school truly upset & even crying only to be bullied later by their classmates,” she added.

From Los Angeles Times

McConville, a widow ripped from her home as her 10 crying children helplessly watch, personifies what happens when the battlefield extends into civilian neighborhoods.

From Salon

The face stuff was the thing I was most worried about, because when you have close up shots of a Lego minifig crying, is that going to be emotional?

From BBC

I’m not always crying and dying, I promise.

From Los Angeles Times

In the case of Joyce, she can put on a bright shiny façade, but at home she is slamming doors and crying into her pillow out of frustration.

From Los Angeles Times