What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
whiny
Example
The whiny child kept complaining about the food. [whiny: adjective]
Example
The dog was being whiny and demanding attention. [whiny: adjective]
whining
Example
She was whining about her workload all day. [whining: verb]
Example
The cat was whining at the door to be let in. [whining: gerund or present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Whining is more commonly used than whiny in everyday language. Whining is a versatile word that can be used to describe a variety of situations and behaviors, while whiny is less common and more specific in its usage.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between whiny and whining?
Both whiny and whining are informal words that are typically used in casual conversation or writing. Neither word is considered formal or appropriate for professional or academic contexts.
