pesky

[pes-kee]

adjective

Informal.

peskier, peskiest 

1. annoyingly troublesome; pesty.

   bothered by a pesky fly.

   Synonyms: pestiferous, bothersome, irksome, vexatious

pesky

/ ˈpɛskɪ /

adjective

1. informal,  troublesome

   pesky flies

Other Word Forms

• peskily adverb
• peskiness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of pesky¹

1765–75; irregular formation from pest ( def. ) + -y ¹ ( def. )

Word History and Origins

Origin of pesky¹

C19: probably changed from pesty; see _pest

Example Sentences

The admiral’s voice droned on until it was like the buzzing of those pesky gnats that had given Penelope no peace in the forest.

Read more on Literature

Plus, there aren’t those pesky regulations that executives like to complain about, slowing construction of new power plants to meet the data-center needs.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

One planned change could unite many Europeans in relief however: the EU wants to get rid of those pesky cookie banners seeking users' consent for tracking on websites.

Read more on Barron's

And, just in case a few of those pesky radicals slip through the cracks, train in Krav Maga and keep a strict diet and exercise regimen to maintain optimal mental and physical acuity.

Read more on Salon

If the ban passes, Texas companies can strike these pesky taxes from their risk calculations.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• annoying 
• nettlesome 
• troublesome 
• vexing