Showing results for "besetting"

• present participle of beset.

besetting

American  

[bih-set-ing] / bɪˈsɛt ɪŋ /

adjective

1. constantly assailing or obsessing, as with temptation.

   a besetting sin.

---

besetting British  

/ bɪˈsɛtɪŋ /

adjective

1. tempting, harassing, or assailing (esp in the phrase besetting sin )

---

Etymology

Origin of besetting

First recorded in 1540–50; beset + -ing ²

---

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

besetting

Crumbling masonry, ageing electrics, frequent leaks and high asbestos levels are some of the problems besetting the Palace of Westminster, parts of which are over 900 years old.

From Barron's ● Nov. 4, 2026

The report also addresses another fear besetting the market of late: funding concerns surrounding “neoclouds.”

From MarketWatch ● Oct. 22, 2026

Unfortunately, sloppy handling of details is one of two chief weaknesses besetting “The Epic History of Macaroni and Cheese.”

From The Wall Street Journal ● Feb. 13, 2026

The findings suggest kids have been caught in the crossfire of simultaneous immigration and housing crises besetting the city.

From Seattle Times ● Nov. 1, 2023

However, the difficulties besetting our task are so great that we cannot hope for more than tentative and incomplete answers.

From "History of Art, Volume 1" by H.W. Janson

Random Word

Spin the wheel and learn a new word!

---

Related Words

• enthusiastic
• irresistible
• passionate
• uncontrollable

---