Cry out for Definition 1 of 2Pro Tip 1/3Urgent Need Use it to emphasize that a situation urgently needs to change or improve. This outdated education system cries out for reform. Pro Tip 2/3Social Issues Common in discussions about social and public concerns needing immediate action. Environmental degradation is crying out for global attention. Pro Tip 3/3Personification Often used to personify objects or situations, implying they have a 'voice' and 'desires'. The old house was crying out for some care.