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Vexatious Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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vexatious

[ˌvekˈseɪʃəs ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

in legal context

causing or tending to cause annoyance, frustration, or worry, especially in a legal context

Synonyms

annoying, frustrating, irritating.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
vexatious

Use this word in formal or legal contexts to describe something that causes annoyance or trouble, often deliberately.

  • The constant delays in the legal process were vexatious to all parties involved
annoying

This word is suitable for informal situations to describe something that causes slight irritation or discomfort.

  • The loud music from the neighbors is really annoying when I’m trying to study
irritating

Use this word in both formal and informal contexts to describe something that causes annoyance or mild anger.

  • The way he keeps interrupting me during meetings is incredibly irritating
frustrating

Use this word when describing situations that cause feelings of helplessness or irritation due to inability to achieve something.

  • It's frustrating to see so many errors in the report after we've worked so hard on it

Examples of usage

  • The vexatious delays in the legal proceedings frustrated the plaintiff.
  • The judge dismissed the vexatious lawsuit as a waste of time and resources.
Context #2 | Adjective

in general context

causing distress or irritation

Synonyms

distressing, irksome, troublesome.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
vexatious

Repeated and unnecessary, causing irritation or frustration.

  • The employee's vexatious complaints were starting to affect team morale.
  • She found his constant interruptions vexatious during important meetings.
distressing

Appropriate when something causes extreme worry, anxiety, or upset. Often used to describe emotionally challenging or tragic situations.

  • The news of the accident was deeply distressing for the family.
  • Seeing animals in poor conditions is always distressing.
irksome

Used to describe something mildly irritating or annoying, typically an ongoing or repetitive issue.

  • The persistent buzzing of the fly became irksome after a while.
  • Filling out these long forms can be quite irksome.
troublesome

Describes situations or problems that are difficult to handle, cause inconvenience, or require extra effort and attention. Often used to talk about issues or people that cause ongoing difficulty.

  • The troublesome leak in the roof needed immediate attention.
  • His troublesome behavior in class has been a consistent issue.

Examples of usage

  • Her vexatious comments upset many people at the meeting.
  • His vexatious behavior made it difficult for others to work with him.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Law

  • In legal terms, 'vexatious litigation' refers to lawsuits that are filed to annoy or harass someone rather than for a legitimate purpose.
  • Courts may dismiss vexatious claims to prevent the legal system from being abused by unnecessary or repetitive cases.
  • Certain jurisdictions have rules in place to restrict individuals deemed vexatious litigants from filing further lawsuits.

Psychology

  • Vexation is often linked to stress and can lead to increased anxiety or frustration in individuals.
  • People tend to react negatively to vexatious situations, often impacting their mental health and interpersonal relationships.
  • The irritation caused by vexatiousness can sometimes serve as motivation for change or resolution.

Pop Culture

  • The term 'vexatious' is often used in movies and books to describe characters who cause trouble or create annoying situations.
  • Popular TV shows often depict family conflicts that can be described as vexatious, serving as a source of humor or drama.
  • Comics and cartoons frequently feature characters whose antics create vexatious scenarios for others.

Everyday Life

  • Common examples of vexatious situations include dealing with slow internet service or annoying interruptions during a movie.
  • Many people find bureaucratic processes, like filling out forms, to be vexatious due to their complexity and time consumption.
  • Customer service issues, such as being put on hold for long periods, are frequently described as vexatious experiences.

Origin of 'vexatious'

Main points about word origin

  • Derived from the Latin word 'vexare,' which means to trouble or annoy.
  • The word originally appeared in English in the late 14th century, initially relating to physical distress.
  • In modern usage, it often refers to annoying situations or legal disputes.

The word 'vexatious' originated from the Latin word 'vexare', meaning 'to agitate or trouble'. Over time, it evolved in English to represent something that causes irritation or distress. The term has been used in legal contexts to describe actions or claims that are seen as causing unnecessary trouble or annoyance.

See also: vex, vexation, vexatiously, vexed, vexing.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #18,943, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.