The meaning of CANTANKEROUS is difficult or irritating to deal with. How to use cantankerous in a sentence. The Origin of Cantankerous Is Mysterious.

CANTANKEROUS definition: 1. arguing and complaining a lot: 2. arguing and complaining a lot: 3. annoyed and tending to…. Learn more.

It is usually applied to people, but stubborn animals like mules are also described as cantankerous. Events can be cantankerous too, like a cantankerous debate. Some synonyms …

Cantankerous definition: disagreeable to deal with; contentious; peevish.. See examples of CANTANKEROUS used in a sentence.

Definition of cantankerous adjective in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.

Ill-tempered and quarrelsome; disagreeable: disliked her cantankerous landlord. 2. Difficult to handle: "had to use liquid helium, which is supercold, costly and cantankerous" (Brad Pokorny).

May 24, 2025 · cantankerous (comparative more cantankerous, superlative most cantankerous) Given to or marked by an ill-tempered, quarrelsome nature; ill-tempered, cranky, crabby. …

There is one meaning in OED's entry for the adjective cantankerous. See ‘Meaning & use’ for definition, usage, and quotation evidence.

Cantankerous definition: Ill-tempered and quarrelsome; disagreeable.

He gets cantankerous, even downright nasty, in response to lazy assumptions or incorrect facts put forth by music critics.