Crabbedness

Crabbedness refers to a disagreeable, irritable, and ill-tempered disposition or state of mind. It embodies a tendency towards fault-finding, pessimism, and a general lack of sociability. Individuals exhibiting crabbedness often express their negativity through harsh criticism, cynicism, and a reluctance to participate in enjoyable activities. It manifests as a chronic grumbling and complaining, making the person difficult to please and unpleasant to be around, leaving a lasting impression on those subjected to their temperament.

Crabbedness meaning with examples

• The old man's crabbedness was legendary in the neighborhood; children would cross the street to avoid his scowls. His bitterness stemmed from years of hardship, but his constant complaints created an isolating barrier. Attempts to cheer him up with small gestures were met with further scorn, thus perpetuating a cycle of grumbling and an unhappy, lonely life.
• Her crabbedness became evident after the project was completed, immediately she began picking at minor flaws, ignoring any positives, and lambasting the team's efforts with unnecessary sarcasm. Her negativity cast a pall over their celebration, and made any further collaboration with her a dreaded prospect.
• The critic's crabbedness towards the artist's work, evident in his harsh, dismissive reviews, ultimately overshadowed the potential of his insights. His relentless fault-finding revealed a spiteful undertone that undermined his credibility. Viewers soon became aware and tuned out of what was becoming nothing short of petty and cruel.
• Experiencing a financial setback, the family patriarch lapsed into a phase of intense crabbedness, transforming the once-warm home into a battleground of unspoken resentment. His behavior caused friction among his family and made conversations tense. His constant complaining overshadowed what they should all have been grateful for.