What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
orneriness
Example
The orneriness of the old mule made it difficult to work with. [orneriness: noun]
Example
She had an orneriness about her that made it hard for others to get along with her. [orneriness: noun]
cussedness
Example
The cussedness of the old goat made it impossible to lead him anywhere. [cussedness: noun]
Example
He had a cussedness about him that made it hard for others to work with him. [cussedness: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Orneriness and cussedness are both relatively uncommon words and are not frequently used in everyday language.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between orneriness and cussedness?
Cussedness is more versatile in terms of formality and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, while orneriness is more informal and colloquial.
