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Cantankerous Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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cantankerous

can-tan-ker-ous

🇺🇸 /kænˈtæŋkɝəs/ · 🇬🇧 /kɑːntˈæŋkəɹəs/

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

behavior

bad-tempered, argumentative, and uncooperative

Synonyms

cranky, cross, grumpy, irascible, ornery.

Examples of usage

  • He had a cantankerous expression on his face.
  • I try to avoid talking to him when he's feeling cantankerous.
  • The cantankerous old man refused to help anyone.
Context #2 | Adjective

object

difficult to handle or control

Synonyms

obstinate, recalcitrant, stubborn, unmanageable, unruly.

Examples of usage

  • The cantankerous old printer kept jamming.
  • She struggled with the cantankerous lock on the door.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Quick facts about “cantankerous”

Cantankerous is a 4-syllable adjective (can-tan-ker-ous). It is pronounced /kænˈtæŋkɝəs/ in American English and /kɑːntˈæŋkəɹəs/ in British English. On finesentence.com it has 2 meanings, 10 synonyms, and translations into 21 languages. It ranks #31,339 among the most common English words.

Origin of 'cantankerous'

The word 'cantankerous' is believed to have originated in the 18th century. It is thought to be a combination of 'contentious' and 'rancorous'. Over time, 'cantankerous' has come to describe someone who is bad-tempered, argumentative, or difficult to deal with. The word has retained its negative connotation and is commonly used in English to describe a person or object that is uncooperative or hard to manage.

Rhymes

Cantankerous rhymes with rancorous.

See all rhymes →

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #31,339 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.