vexatious

Word family

• vex
  verbC1
• vexation
  nounC1
• vexatiously
  adverbC2

Synonym discussion

Sense: adjective/1

All four words describe something that causes displeasure, but they differ in register and scope. 'Annoying' is the everyday workhorse — it covers small, temporary irritations ('an annoying pop-up ad') and longer frustrations. 'Irritating' suggests a sharper, more grating effect: a dripping tap is irritating because it wears on your nerves. 'Troublesome' shifts the focus from the feeling to the difficulty: a troublesome computer virus takes effort to fix. 'Bothersome' is slightly old-fashioned and milder, often used for minor inconveniences ('a bothersome zipper'). Of the four, only 'vexatious' carries the weight of a formal, often written register — you would use it in a complaint letter or an official report, not in casual conversation. For example: 'The airline apologized for the vexatious series of delays' feels appropriate for a formal complaint, while 'The constant delays were so annoying' sounds natural among friends.

Common collocations

Etymology

Derived from the Latin verb 'vexare' (to shake, disturb, or annoy), which entered English through Old French 'vexer'. The adjective form 'vexatious' appeared in the 1500s, initially in general use and later adopted as a legal term for lawsuits brought purely to harass.