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

“I go to sleep crying, I wake up crying,” she said.

From Los Angeles Times

“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