vexatious

American  

[vek-sey-shuhs] / vɛkˈseɪ ʃəs /

adjective

1. causing vexation; troublesome; annoying.

   a vexatious situation.

   Synonyms:

   irksome , bothersome , irritating , provoking

   Antonyms:

   delightful

2. Law.  (of legal actions) instituted without sufficient grounds and serving only to cause annoyance to the defendant.

3. full of unease or turmoil; troubled.

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vexatious British  

/ vɛkˈseɪʃəs /

adjective

1. vexing or tending to vex

2. vexed

3. law (of a legal action or proceeding) instituted without sufficient grounds, esp so as to cause annoyance or embarrassment to the defendant

   vexatious litigation

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Other Word Forms

• nonvexatious adjective
• nonvexatiously adverb
• nonvexatiousness noun
• unvexatious adjective
• unvexatiously adverb
• unvexatiousness noun
• vexatiously adverb
• vexatiousness noun

Etymology

Origin of vexatious

First recorded in 1525–35; vexati(on) + -ous

Example Sentences

Talks between the government and veterans' organisations will take place as the bill progresses, but Sir Keir Starmer has said he is "confident" the bill will not lead to vexatious prosecutions of former soldiers.

From BBC

Hit-Boy’s first musical body of work to arrive on the heels of this extended vexatious period is his forthcoming album, naturally titled “Software Update.”

From Los Angeles Times

The Home Secretary has vowed to fight "vexatious, last-minute claims" after the deportation of an Eritrean man under the UK-France migrants returns deal was temporarily blocked.

From BBC

Cheryl says she has been told not to contact them anymore, with the council calling her claims "vexatious".

From BBC

"We require that you immediately stop manufacturing false and vexatious allegations against Ms Siddiq and further media briefings and public comments designed to harm her reputation."

From BBC