pesky

adjective

pes·​ky ˈpe-skē 

peskier; peskiest

: troublesome, vexatious

pesky issues

Synonyms of pesky

• annoying
• frustrating
• irritating

Examples of pesky in a Sentence

I've been trying to get rid of this pesky cold for weeks.

the pesky problem of what to do with all the leftovers

Recent Examples on the Web

The cooling layer is designed to wick moisture while keeping your skin cool, preventing those pesky night sweats. — Melody Kazel, PEOPLE, 8 Aug. 2026

Two pesky black bars flank the viewing experience on an already small screen. — Kimberly Gedeon, PC Magazine, 3 Aug. 2026

While OpenAI assured the public the situation was under control, the pesky agent apparently infected a customer of Modal Labs, an executive of that company confirmed Tuesday. — Clarence Page, Chicago Tribune, 3 Aug. 2026

Scroll on to learn why this pesky stickiness occurs—and how to get rid of it. — Caroline Lubinsky, Martha Stewart, 31 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

probably irregular from pest + -y entry 1

First Known Use

1775, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

pesky

adjective

pes·​ky ˈpes-kē 

peskier; peskiest

: troublesome sense 2

peskily

-kə-lē

adverb

peskiness

-kē-nəs

noun