carrying-on

[ kar-ee-ing-on, -awn ]

noun

, Informal.

, plural car·ry·ings-on.

1. irresponsible, irritating, self-indulgent, or overwrought behavior:

   The baby-sitter was exhausted from the child's noisy carrying-on.

2. improper or immoral behavior.

carrying-on

noun

1. unconventional or questionable behaviour
2. excited or flirtatious behaviour, esp when regarded as foolish

Word History and Origins

Origin of carrying-on¹

First recorded in 1855–60

Example Sentences

The singer added that Jones "should be remembered as a star that we will keep burning for as long as we, as humans, exist, by carrying on the messages and the music that he did".

From BBC

These are all people that made a value of the concept of carrying on.

From Los Angeles Times

Other hospitals were carrying on with severely limited services.

From BBC

Plus, Alice is forced to confront the demon she’s been unknowingly carrying on her back for years, as her mother did.

From Los Angeles Times

One person said they were surprised the show was carrying on given the controversy.

From BBC

Related Words

• chronic
• enduring
• lasting