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

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trying British  

/ ˈtraɪɪŋ /

adjective

1. upsetting, difficult, or annoying

   a trying day at the office

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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

It’s really made me appreciate life and trying to take things day by day.

From Los Angeles Times

When I suggested to an editor that tractors warrant a mention here, he asked whether I was trying to turn us into Cattle & Crop Weekly.

From Barron's

“Gail Slater was trying to enforce antitrust laws to protect the average American from monopolies and corporate cartels, particularly in the area of kitchen table issues.”

From Barron's

All three of the big powers are “trying to expand their territory,” Mr. Walesa says.

From The Wall Street Journal

“We are not even going to pretend that we are trying to figure it out,” Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R- Alaska, said.

From Salon

Related Words

• arduous
• demanding
• irritating
• strenuous
• stressful
• taxing
• tricky
• troublesome
• upsetting
• vexing