galling

adjective

gall·​ing ˈgȯ-liŋ 

: markedly irritating : vexing

a most galling defeat

gallingly

ˈgȯ-liŋ-lē 

adverb

Synonyms

• abrasive
• aggravating
• annoying
• bothersome
• carking
• chafing
• disturbing
• exasperating
• frustrating
• irksome
• irritating
• maddening
• nettlesome
• nettling
• peeving
• pesky
• pestiferous
• pestilent
• pestilential
• pesty
• plaguey
• plaguy
• rankling
• rebarbative
• riling
• vexatious
• vexing

Examples of galling in a Sentence

This is a galling defeat.

her holier-than-thou attitude is galling

Recent Examples on the Web

The hypocrisy is galling, the disdain for the audience's memory and awareness breathtaking. —Bill Goodykoontz, The Arizona Republic, 6 Nov. 2024

Instead, Swift’s performance became just a footnote on one of the most galling losses in franchise history — 18-15 on a final-play Hail Mary. —Dan Wiederer, Chicago Tribune, 8 Nov. 2024

This Week: ‘Abbott Elementary’ and ‘The Good Doctor’ In China, Deepfakes of ‘Russian’ Women Point to ‘Nationalistic Sexism’ Word of the Day: galling NYT Spelling Bee Answers for May 20, 2024 Today’s Wordle Answer for May 20, 2024 ¿Es mejor entrenar por la mañana o por la noche? —New York Times, 20 May 2024

Which brings us to the most galling mystery of the season: How on earth does this preening man-child get engaged? —Laura Bradley, Vulture, 9 Aug. 2024

Word History

Etymology

from present participle of gall entry 2

First Known Use

1583, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

galling

adjective

gall·​ing ˈgȯ-liŋ 

: very irritating : vexing