irksome

adjective

irk·​some ˈərk-səm How to pronounce irksome (audio)
: tending to irk : tedious
an irksome task
irksomely adverb
irksomeness noun

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
This kind of dependence, common in most modern weapons systems, was often irksome for U.S. allies but not regarded as a big problem. Malcolm Turnbull, Foreign Affairs, 6 June 2025 He’s won two elections, but still faces the irksome reality that pop culture is far from still fully MAGA-fied. Brian Hiatt, Rolling Stone, 25 May 2025 Those irksome writers, visual effects specialists and sound editors who slow everything down and make everything so expensive with their precious creativity? Brooks Barnes, New York Times, 21 May 2025 For Chicago taxpayers, the wait will be especially irksome because many of them are likely to see painful increases, reflecting this year’s triennial reassessment of city properties, the effects of which will be first seen in the second-installment bills. The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 14 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for irksome

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of irksome was in the 15th century

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Cite this Entry

“Irksome.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/irksome. Accessed 4 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

irksome

adjective
irk·​some ˈərk-səm How to pronounce irksome (audio)
: annoying because of length or dullness
an irksome task
irksomely adverb
irksomeness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on irksome

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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