Learn how to use the comparative “crankier” and superlative “crankiest” with example sentences and differences.

What is the comparative form of “cranky”?

The comparative form of “cranky” is “crankier”.

Example

She is crankier in the morning than in the evening.

Example

The baby became crankier as the day went on.

What is the superlative form of “cranky”?

The superlative form of “cranky” is “crankiest”.

Example

Among all the employees, he is the crankiest.

Example

The old man is known for being the crankiest person in the neighborhood.

Why is this expression not used with most, more?

'Most' and 'more' are generally not used with cranky, crankier, and crankiest. They’re considered regular comparatives and superlatives. The forms 'more cranky' and 'most cranky' are not used because they sound awkward. Instead, crankier and crankiest are the correct and preferred forms to use.

Does this expression have an irregular comparative/superlative form?

Cranky does not have an irregular comparative or superlative form. It follows the standard pattern for forming comparatives and superlatives. So, to summarize: Comparative: Cranky → Crankier Superlative: Cranky → Crankiest

Expressions with similar meanings to “crankier”

grumpier

Used to describe someone who is irritable or easily annoyed

Example

He becomes grumpier when he hasn't had enough sleep.

more irritable

A slightly formal way of expressing increased irritability

Example

The lack of sleep made her more irritable than usual.

Expressions with similar meanings to “crankiest”

grumpiest

Similar to crankiest, this emphasizes a high level of irritability or annoyance

Example

The old lady down the street is the grumpiest person I know.

most irritable

A slightly formal way of expressing the highest level of irritability

Example

The lack of sleep made her most irritable during the day.

Using than with comparative “crankier”

When using the comparative form crankier to compare two things, you would use than to connect the two parts of the comparison: Example: "She is crankier than her sister." Here, than is used to show that the level of crankiness of 'she' is greater than the level of crankiness of her sister.

How can I use this expression in context?

“crankier” and “crankiest” can be used in a variety of situations to compare speed.

• 1. Mood

  He became crankier as the day went on.

  He became crankier as the day went on.

• 2. People

  Among all the employees, she is the crankiest.

  Among all the employees, she is the crankiest.

• 3. Behavior

  The child's tantrums are getting crankier every day.

  The child's tantrums are getting crankier every day.

• 4. Reactions

  Her response to criticism was the crankiest I've ever seen.

  Her response to criticism was the crankiest I've ever seen.

• 5. Situations

  Dealing with traffic makes him crankier than anything else.

  Dealing with traffic makes him crankier than anything else.

Related idioms and phrases

In a bad mood

To be feeling irritable or unhappy.

Example

Don't talk to him right now, he's in a bad mood.

Grumpy old man

A stereotype of an older man who is easily irritated and complains a lot.

Example

The neighbor is always yelling at kids to get off his lawn. He's such a grumpy old man.

Have a short fuse

To become angry or irritated very quickly.

Example

Be careful what you say to him, he has a short fuse and might explode.