irksome
Americanadjective
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annoying; irritating; exasperating; tiresome.
irksome restrictions.
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Obsolete. causing weariness or disgust.
adjective
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of irksome
late Middle English word dating back to 1400–50; see origin at irk, -some 1
Explanation
If your little brother keeps saying the same phrase over and over again, you might find it irksome — that is, annoying in a tiresome way. If you are a person who likes to know exactly where words come from, you might find it irksome that the etymology of irksome's 15th century ancestor irken is unknown. If you complain about this to all of your friends, they might start to find you irksome also.
Vocabulary lists containing irksome
The Vocabulary.com Top 1000
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Grade 9, List 2
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The Taming of the Shrew
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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.
Binface has characterized his Clacton campaign as “people vs. the establishment,” a framing that is no doubt irksome to Farage, who views himself decidedly as the people, not the establishment.
From Slate ● Aug. 12, 2026
Meanwhile, Keith, Boy Talk’s most talented vocalist, vibrates with rage at his showboating bandmates, particularly his irksome younger brother, and is mourning the sorry state of his marriage.
From The Wall Street Journal ● May 15, 2026
It’s sure to be another captivating, completely irksome and bleak look into animal welfare exploitation that will, hopefully, prompt action.
From Los Angeles Times ● May 13, 2026
The wanton use of the term is part of the fun, but also what makes it irksome.
From Salon ● May 10, 2026
She suspected that Judith had invented the irksome procedure just to keep her busy, and in a burst of resentment she poured in the remaining cupful all at once.
From "The Witch of Blackbird Pond" by Elizabeth George Speare
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
