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Irksome - Meaning, Definition & English Examples

Irksome describes something that is annoying, tedious, or frustrating. It refers to actions, tasks, or situations that cause mild irritation or weariness over time. Example: The repetitive noise was irksome.

irksome

/ˈɜrksəm/ /ˈɜːksəm/

Definition:

Causing annoyance or irritation; tedious or bothersome.

Synonyms:

Annoying, bothersome, tiresome, vexing

Part of Speech:

Adjective

Antonyms:

Pleasant, agreeable

Common Collocations:

Irksome task, irksome noise, irksome habit

Derivatives:

Irksomely, irksomeness

Usage Tips:

Use "irksome" to describe something persistently annoying rather than mildly irritating.

Common Phrases:

Irksome behavior, irksome delay, irksome repetition

Etymology:

From Middle English "irken," meaning to weary or trouble, with the suffix "-some" indicating tendency.

Examples:

  • 1. The constant buzzing of the fly was irksome during the meeting.
  • 2. She found his repetitive jokes increasingly irksome over time.
  • 3. The irksome paperwork delayed their progress on the project.
  • 4. His habit of interrupting others became quite irksome to his colleagues.

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