galling

[gaw-ling]

adjective

1. that galls; chafing; irritating; vexing.

   Synonyms: provoking, annoying

galling

/ ˈɡɔːlɪŋ /

adjective

1. irritating, exasperating, or bitterly humiliating

2. obsolete,  rubbing painfully; chafing

Other Word Forms

• gallingly adverb
• gallingness noun
• ungalling adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of galling¹

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

Example Sentences

Garfield is all galling charisma and Edebiri is in some pallid register, like a Victorian ghost that you’re not sure whether to fear.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

As well as the shortened format and convenient scheduling, there is also a lucrative prize pot - something that has been particularly galling for the doubles specialists who are missing out.

Read more on BBC

While Zora and Henry get the chance to debate the merits of their work along the way, Koepp’s screenplay gallingly diverts attention to a far less charming parallel storyline just when things are getting good.

Read more on Salon

It was galling for Mr Varvill "because we were turning it around with an improved engine. Just as we were getting close to succeeding we failed. That's a uniquely British characteristic."

Read more on BBC

The timing of the announcement was particularly galling for some.

Read more on Los Angeles Times