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

Derived 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

A wall text identifies these contrasting expressive efforts, which are connected to the dancer’s breath, as echoing the “psychological rhythms of crying and laughing.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 9, 2026

There’s no crying in baseball, but Kim Ng works in softball now.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 8, 2026

Crowds lined the streets crying out "Long live the pope!" as Leo saluted the faithful from his popemobile before the mass.

From Barron's • Jun. 7, 2026

It's what Tigers fans and players have been crying out for, for over a decade.

From BBC • Jun. 4, 2026

I don’t need to look at her to know she’s crying, too; I can hear the tears in her voice.

From "Split the Sky" by Marie Arnold