irksome

adjective

irk·​some ˈərk-səm 

: tending to irk : tedious

an irksome task

irksomely adverb

irksomeness noun

Synonyms of irksome

• annoying
• frustrating
• irritating
• disturbing

Examples of irksome in a Sentence

the irksome task of cleaning up

the irksome habit of leaving all the kitchen cabinet doors open

Recent Examples on the Web

Ben Shelton remembers the exact phrase that sprang into his mind near the end of his first-round match at Wimbledon this year, an irksome loss to Otto Virtanen of Finland. — Ava Wallace, New York Times, 13 Sep. 2026

This dichotomy, between depressive routine and the spark of something exciting, or even irksome, both informs each relationship, and clarifies (for the viewer) Arash’s state of mind the more his reasons are revealed. — Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 11 Sep. 2026

But in the end, trying to time celestial events from S301 would be irksome. — Phil Plait, Scientific American, 4 Sep. 2026

The prophecy remains at the center of my critique of this series, if not its biggest problem, then at least one of its most irksome. — Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

irksome

adjective

irk·​some ˈərk-səm 

: annoying because of length or dullness

an irksome task

irksomely adverb

irksomeness noun