Word
cussing
US/ˈkəsɪŋ/
UK/kˈʌsɪŋ/
Definition
v. to say rude or offensive words when you are angry, hurt, or upset. You use this when someone swears or uses bad language.
v. to utter profane, obscene, or blasphemous words; to swear or curse, especially when angry, hurt, or frustrated.
Examples
“He is cussing loudly after hitting his thumb.”
“The driver kept cussing at the traffic while the kids pretended not to hear him.”
“Exhausted and soaked from the storm, the sailor stood on the dock cussing the broken engine that had left him adrift for hours.”
Examples
simple
“He is cussing loudly after hitting his thumb.”
contextual
“The driver kept cussing at the traffic while the kids pretended not to hear him.”
complex
“Exhausted and soaked from the storm, the sailor stood on the dock cussing the broken engine that had left him adrift for hours.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “cussing” in context.
Verb
01. burst into cussing
“He burst into cussing when he hit his thumb with the hammer.”
verb + prep + noun
02. cussing offends
“Loud cussing offends many passengers on the train.”
noun + verb
03. quit cussing
“He promised to quit cussing after he became a father.”
verb + noun
Adjective
04. angry cussing
“His angry cussing frightened the kids in the next room.”
adj + noun
05. constant cussing
“Her constant cussing at work finally got her a warning.”
adj + noun
06. loud cussing
“We could hear loud cussing from the locker room after the game.”
adj + noun
Noun
07. burst of cussing
“We heard a sudden burst of cussing from the kitchen.”
noun + prep + noun
08. fit of cussing
“He had a fit of cussing after he dropped his phone.”
noun + prep + noun
09. burst into angry cussing
“The driver burst into angry cussing after another car cut him off.”
10. fit of loud cussing
“We heard a fit of loud cussing from the garage next door.”
11. no cussing around kids
“There is no cussing around kids in this house.”
12. quit cussing for good
“She decided to quit cussing for good before her job interview.”
Usage
The verb is usually intransitive; it can take a direct object when the abuse is directed at someone.
Synonyms
Related words
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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