vexing

1 of 2

adjective

vex·​ing ˈvek-siŋ 

: causing or likely to cause vexation : vexatious

a vexing problem

vexingly adverb

vexing

2 of 2

present participle of vex

Synonyms of vexing

Adjective

• frustrating
• annoying
• irritating
• disturbing

Examples of vexing in a Sentence

Adjective

the constantly changing schedule was somewhat vexing, but I coped

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

The Miami Herald spoke with each of them in the days ahead of the election to discuss their ideas to address a few of Florida’s most vexing problems. — Kairi Lowery, Miami Herald, 19 Aug. 2026

Sticky Glue There is nothing more vexing than the sticky debris leftover from a price tag, label, or a child’s sticker placed randomly around the house. — Louise Parks, Martha Stewart, 11 July 2026

The annual Group of 7 summit for decades has been an occasion for the heads of state of Germany, France, Italy, the United Kingdom, Canada, Japan and the United States to meet as friends and try to hash out a collective approach to the vexing problems of the day. — The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 16 June 2026

Cardholders struggle with inflation, interest rates Cardholders are still struggling with a vexing combination of elevated inflation and interest rates. — Daniel De Visé, USA Today, 12 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1569, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for vexing

• flexing
• sexing
• annexing
• complexing
• perplexing
• multiplexing

Kids Definition

vexing

adjective

: causing or likely to cause vexation : vexatious

a vexing problem