ENGLISH
REFERENCE

whiny

adj.
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˈhwaɪni// UK //wˈaɪni// whiny

adj. behaving in a way that is annoying because you want something or are complaining. You use this to describe someone who sounds like a child when they are upset.

adj. characterised by a high-pitched, complaining tone or a petulant, demanding attitude. Often used to describe vocal qualities or emotional states that are perceived as irritating.


SIMPLE

He gave a whiny voice when he asked for more candy.

CONTEXTUAL

The manager was tired of the whiny complaints from the staff about the new office layout.

COMPLEX

The protagonist's whiny tone in the early chapters eventually wears thin on the reader, though it serves to establish his initial vulnerability.

Synonyms
Origin

From whine + -y.

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