vexing

adjective

vex·​ing ˈvek-siŋ How to pronounce vexing (audio)
: causing or likely to cause vexation : vexatious
a vexing problem
vexingly adverb

Examples of vexing in a Sentence

the constantly changing schedule was somewhat vexing, but I coped
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.
Although proximity makes for easier studies, this is counterbalanced against the system’s vexing complexity. Meghan Bartels, Scientific American, 7 Aug. 2025 Sneaking one command on the back of another As noted, prompt injections are one of the most vexing vulnerabilities facing AI chatbots. Dan Goodin, ArsTechnica, 30 July 2025 In that same conversation with Ernaux, Tsushima told the following anecdote about the vexing relationship between our mundane experience of quotidian life and our apprehension of large-scale historical events: Recently, a thief broke into my house. Katie Kitamura, Harpers Magazine, 16 July 2025 Whatever the specific parallels, the problem of how to recover from such assaults on the law and the polity remains vexing. Julia M. Klein, The Atlantic, 11 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for vexing

Word History

First Known Use

1569, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of vexing was in 1569

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Cite this Entry

“Vexing.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/vexing. Accessed 19 Aug. 2025.

Kids Definition

vexing

adjective
: causing or likely to cause vexation : vexatious
a vexing problem

More from Merriam-Webster on vexing

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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