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Synonyms

trying

American  
[trahy-ing] / ˈtraɪ ɪŋ /

adjective

  1. extremely annoying, difficult, or the like; straining one's patience and goodwill to the limit.

    a trying day; a trying experience.
    Synonyms:
    vexing, bothersome, irksome, irritating
trying British  
/ ˈtraɪɪŋ /

adjective

  1. upsetting, difficult, or annoying

    a trying day at the office
"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

  • tryingly adverb
  • tryingness noun
  • untrying adjective

Etymology

Origin of trying

First recorded in 1570–80 for the sense “attempting”; 1710–20 for the current sense; try + -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.

Cavallari: I just remember trying to make myself stand out.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 9, 2026

A woman listened as he was sentenced, trying to conceal tears.

From BBC • Apr. 9, 2026

Nearly three-quarters of new on-course golfers report first trying the game off-course.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 9, 2026

“This is a man serving God, trying to make a moral society.”

From Slate • Apr. 9, 2026

“She’s just trying on different hats to see which ones fit.”

From "Legendary Frybread Drive-In" by Cynthia Leitich Smith

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.