vexatious

[vek-sey-shuhs]

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.

vexatious

/ 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

Other Word Forms

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of vexatious¹

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

Example Sentences

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

A body of law has developed about “vexatious litigants” whose filings are simply dismissed out of hand unless they allege an imminent risk of serious harm.

From Salon

The nurse's claim is disputed by NHS Fife, which has described the case as unnecessary and vexatious.

From BBC