galling

American

[gaw-ling] / ˈgɔ lɪŋ /

adjective

that galls; chafing; irritating; vexing.

Synonyms:

provoking, annoying

galling British

/ ˈɡɔːlɪŋ /

adjective

irritating, exasperating, or bitterly humiliating
obsolete rubbing painfully; chafing

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

gallingly adverb
gallingness noun
ungalling adjective

Etymology

Origin of galling

First recorded in 1640–50; gall ² + -ing ²

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Most gallingly for their menfolk, these previously disenchanted wives had also found self-confidence and a notable degree of emotional independence.

From The Wall Street Journal

It has been particularly galling, Williamson said, because "confidence was starting to build a little bit" in the sector.

From BBC

The galling sight of Ireland and Wales winning championships and Grand Slams, partying hard as Scotland stared in the window.

From BBC

The most galling part is how rarely they do.

From Salon

This galling notion sets her on a rampage.

From Los Angeles Times

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023