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

“These guys with their rifles are crying about my comedy songs.”

From Los Angeles Times

Laughing because I was home; crying because Father and Betsie, the only two people she had ever allowed herself to love, would never be.

From Literature

Karli started crying, and very soon I found myself doing the same.

From Literature

As often happens when difficulties arise beyond Wall Street’s control, investors are crying out for government help.

From Barron's

“As mothers, we’re people pleasers. We want to make sure everybody’s happy, nobody’s crying,” she said.

From MarketWatch