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 know there’s “no crying in baseball,” but is it now “there’s no tackling in football?”

From Los Angeles Times

“It’s heartbreaking for me to hear these women crying and the only thing you can do is sue.”

From Los Angeles Times

“So upset and beaten down. Sitting here crying and scared.”

From The Wall Street Journal

Noah started crying first, then it just spread from there.

From Los Angeles Times

She opened it and broke down crying, as Walker struggled to compose himself.

From The Wall Street Journal