Querulous

Querulous is an adjective used to describe someone who complains in a peevish, fretful, or petulant manner. It can refer to a tone of voice, a disposition, or a pattern of remarks that express discontent. The term often carries a negative evaluation, suggesting pettiness or excessive grievance relative to the situation.

Originating from Latin querulus, from queri "to complain," the word entered English in the early modern period. The noun form querulousness and the adverb form querulously are used to describe the quality or manner of complaining.

In usage, querulous is commonly applied to people who are persistently fault-finding or whining, though it may also describe a single moment of complaint. In literature or criticism it can characterize a character whose dissatisfaction dominates dialogue or narration, while in everyday speech it signals a judgment about someone’s temper or demeanor without diagnosing a mental condition.

Examples include: "She became increasingly querulous as the road trip wore on." or "His querulous remarks about every detail of the plan annoyed the group."