cantankerous

Estimated CEFR level: C2 — Proficiency

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. adjective stubbornly obstructive and unwilling to cooperate; - Spectator
  2. adjective having a difficult and contrary disposition; - Dorothy Sayers

Etymology

Perhaps derived from earlier contenkerous, from contentious + rancorous.

In classic literature

Synonyms

bloody-minded

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