Word
grumpy
US/ˈɡɹəmpi/
UK/ɡɹˈʌmpi/
Definitions
01irritable or bad-tempered
B1 · Intermediate Informal
adj. unhappy and easily annoyed, often because you are tired or hungry.
adj. irritable, surly, or ill-tempered; often used to describe a temporary mood rather than a permanent character trait.
“He is always a bit grumpy in the morning before he has his coffee.”
“The long flight and lack of sleep left the entire tour group feeling grumpy and less than enthusiastic about the first day's itinerary.”
Usage
Commonly used with the verb 'to be' or 'to feel'.
02an irritable person
C2 · Proficiency Countable noun Informal
n. a person who is often in a bad mood or complains a lot.
n. a person who is habitually or currently irritable and dissatisfied.
“Don't be such a grumpy; come and join the party.”
“The old man was known as the neighborhood grumpy, though he occasionally surprised the local children with sweets.”
Teaching tip
The noun form is much less common than the adjective; learners should focus on the adjective 'grumpy' for everyday use.
Synonyms
Etymology
From grump + -y.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- 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.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL 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: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B1 · Intermediate
- Updated
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