maddening

adjective

mad·​den·​ing ˈmad-niŋ How to pronounce maddening (audio)
ˈma-dᵊn-iŋ
1
: tending to craze
2
a
: tending to infuriate
b
: tending to vex : irritating
maddeningly
ˈmad-niŋ-lē How to pronounce maddening (audio)
ˈma-dᵊn-iŋ-
adverb

Examples of maddening in a Sentence

He has a maddening habit of interrupting other people. She shows a maddening inability to control her children.
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.
Their unwillingness to throw the ball downfield is maddening to watch. Dan Pompei, The Athletic, 24 Nov. 2024 Waking up in the middle of the night can be maddening. Alison Osius, Outside Online, 1 Nov. 2024 This is a maddening way to end a season that has taken great pains to explain what is going on to its detriment! James Grebey, Vulture, 31 Oct. 2024 Because the debate between the U.S. Senate candidates in Arizona, Democrat Ruben Gallego and Republican Kari Lake, should be contentious and maybe entertaining and probably maddening. Bill Goodykoontz, The Arizona Republic, 7 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for maddening 

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1743, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of maddening was circa 1743

Dictionary Entries Near maddening

Cite this Entry

“Maddening.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/maddening. Accessed 3 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

maddening

adjective
mad·​den·​ing
ˈmad-niŋ,
-ᵊn-iŋ
: that irritates or angers
a maddening habit
maddeningly adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on maddening

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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