Definition

The condition of being irritable or difficult to understand, often due to a bad mood or a negative attitude.

Example

His crabbedness made it hard for others to approach him for help.

Conversation

Have you noticed how sometimes people can be really unpleasant?

Yeah, I think it often comes from their crabbedness about life.

That's so true! I wonder what makes them feel that way.

Maybe they just need to find some positivity to change their outlook.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Crabbedness is formed from "crab" (from Old English "crabba", meaning a type of crustacean) and "-edness" (a suffix indicating a state or quality). The word describes the quality or state of being crabbed, which can mean irritable or difficult in disposition, akin to the nature of a crab.

Memory Tip

Think of the word 'crab' to remember that 'crabbedness' refers to the quality of being irritable or difficult, much like the behavior associated with crabs.

Visually Confused Words