crying

American  

[krahy-ing] / ˈkraɪ ɪŋ /

adjective

1. demanding attention or remedy; critical; severe.

   a crying evil.

2. reprehensible; odious; notorious.

   a crying shame.

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crying British  

/ ˈkraɪɪŋ /

adjective

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

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Other Word Forms

• cryingly adverb
• uncrying adjective

Etymology

Origin of crying

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

Example Sentences

“This time, I wasn’t 17 years old, going through my first heartbreak, crying at the piano and a song just flies out. I had to sharpen my songwriting skills and my singing skills,” Rodrigo said.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 2, 2026

As the floodwaters careened through the town, Rai ran into Prasad, shirtless and crying, and urged him to get to higher ground.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 1, 2026

"As soon as the water hit her body she was crying out in pain and discomfort so we brought her down and let her sleep on the sofa," Emma said.

From BBC • Mar. 26, 2026

“My little sister’s crying, my little brother’s scared,” Tello recalled.

From Salon • Mar. 26, 2026

Compared to that, it should be a breeze to keep a six-year-old from crying.

From "Earthquake Terror" by Peg Kehret