crying

adjective

cry·​ing ˈkrī-iŋ 

1

: calling for notice

a crying need

2

: notorious, heinous

a crying shame

Synonyms

• acute
• burning
• clamant
• compelling
• critical
• dire
• emergent
• exigent
• imperative
• imperious
• importunate
• instant
• necessitous
• pressing
• urgent

Examples of crying in a Sentence

a crying need for more activities for young people in this town

Recent Examples on the Web

But his crying scene in Ford v Ferrari is one for the ages. —Michael Granberry, Dallas News, 17 Jan. 2020

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1605, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing crying

• a crying need
• a crying shame
• for crying out loud

Kids Definition

crying

adjective

cry·​ing ˈkrī-iŋ 

1

: calling for attention and correction

a crying need

2

: notorious

a crying shame