cantankerous /kænˈtæŋkəɹəs/ adjective1 •Given to or marked by an ill-tempered, quarrelsome nature; ill-tempered, cranky, crabby.By contrast, cantankerous and churlish people are contemptuously independent of others’ opinions, not caring enough about others and their views. — 1998 formsmore cantankerous · most cantankerous