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

These pesky insects love the damp, decaying environment provided by wet grounds. — Leanne Potts, Better Homes & Gardens, 19 Sep. 2026

Bo French, a Republican running for Texas Railroad Commissioner, couldn’t get past all those pesky brown-skinned men invading the stands. — Candace Buckner, New York Times, 16 Sep. 2026

The plant offers beautiful blue or purple blooms each spring, fending off pesky wildlife like deer while requiring little attention from gardeners. — Abby Monteil, The Spruce, 16 Sep. 2026

For years, employers have worried about those pesky employer review sites. — Abigail Moncoeur, Hartford Courant, 15 Sep. 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