vexing

adjective

vex·​ing ˈvek-siŋ How to pronounce vexing (audio)
: causing or likely to cause vexation : vexatious
a vexing problem
vexingly adverb

Examples of vexing in a Sentence

the constantly changing schedule was somewhat vexing, but I coped
Recent Examples on the Web An even more vexing issue is the intangible heritage of national minorities. Julian Lucas, The New Yorker, 2 Mar. 2024 The great morally vexing matter in Washington’s life is slavery. The Editors, National Review, 19 Feb. 2024 Long Covid remains one of the more vexing aspects of Covid-19. Dave Wessner, Forbes, 10 Feb. 2024 The actor wore light taupe—a vexing color sitting somewhere between nude, gray, and beige that it may as well be crowned the true neutral. Hannah Jackson, Vogue, 6 Feb. 2024 Now, the Senate negotiators propose normalizing ATD by prescribing it to rationalize releasing family units (in addition to the unavoidably vexing category of unaccompanied minors). Andrew C. McCarthy, National Review, 6 Feb. 2024 The graying of the global population and workforce is exacerbating one of the most vexing challenges for employers everywhere: ensuring access to a bountiful talent pool. Sander Van ‘t Noordende, Forbes, 13 Nov. 2023 In 2015, health officials in Canada reported the vexing case of an Indian man who traveled to Canada and appeared at a health facility with all the signs of malaria. Beth Mole, Ars Technica, 13 Oct. 2023 Others appear to be alone in the world, their families dead or unreachable — raising vexing questions about who is responsible for their care, and what will happen to them when the war is over. Heba Farouk Mahfouz, Washington Post, 15 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'vexing.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1569, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of vexing was in 1569

Dictionary Entries Near vexing

Cite this Entry

“Vexing.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/vexing. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

vexing

adjective
: causing or likely to cause vexation : vexatious
a vexing problem

More from Merriam-Webster on vexing

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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