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

"I am trying to save money first, because wages in Syria are low."

From BBC

The bleak assessment is likely to be echoed in other NHS regions as building winter pressures increase the challenge of trying to find hospital beds for sick patients needing care.

From BBC

After a session on how their division could up its game, Presley got a call from Freixe, complaining that Presley was trying to create a subculture within Nestlé.

From The Wall Street Journal

"We receive some help, but it is not enough," said Eissa, who is trying to find work in the market.

From Barron's

Miles decorated the office with pictures of penguins jumping off icebergs and gave out “penguin awards” to people who tried ideas that didn’t work and kept trying.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

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