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

Let’s go back to paper ballots and eliminate those pesky voting machines. —Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 23 Feb. 2026

Caballero, primarily used as a pesky, speedy utilityman throughout his first three seasons with the Mariners, Rays and Yankees, is expected to fill in at short before Volpe returns, possibly sometime in April. —Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 23 Feb. 2026

At just $6, the rich moisturizer hydrates and smooths pesky dry spots and crepey patches. —Kyra Surgent, InStyle, 22 Feb. 2026

UConn will host Seton Hall on Senior Day at Gampel Pavilion Saturday before completing the regular season at Marquette, which has been pesky lately despite its last-place record. —Joe Arruda, Hartford Courant, 22 Feb. 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