1. bad-tempered, argumentative, and uncooperative

Examples

• The cantankerous old man complained about everything.
• She became increasingly cantankerous as the day wore on.
• His cantankerous attitude made it difficult to work with him.
• The cantankerous customer argued with every store employee.
• Despite his cantankerous reputation, he was actually quite kind.
• The cantankerous cat hissed at anyone who came near.