vexation

noun

vex·​a·​tion vek-ˈsā-shən How to pronounce vexation (audio)
1
: the quality or state of being vexed : irritation
2
: a cause of trouble : affliction
3
: the act of harassing or vexing : troubling

Examples of vexation in a Sentence

the problems and vexations of everyday life the repeated vexations guaranteed that she wouldn't get any work done
Recent Examples on the Web Other cities have been more vocal about their vexations with robot vehicles. Aarian Marshall, WIRED, 4 Jan. 2024 Luckily, vexations are evergreen if given half a chance, and, at least on Broadway, are assuageable. Jesse Green, New York Times, 16 Nov. 2023 These social vexations work as cultural criticism, pinpointing Mike’s terror — the panic of exasperated people going through hell, not dream theory. Armond White, National Review, 1 Nov. 2023 While some families have commended the move to improve transparency and intelligence-sharing between the federal government and concerned relatives of those held overseas, others have expressed vexation with their lack of communication with the president. Patrick Koenigs, ABC News, 20 July 2022 As one of the leading mainstream journalists investigating the phenomenon over the past 20-plus years, Leslie Kean shares this enduring vexation. Popular Mechanics, 25 Apr. 2023 Why does this fashion vexation afflict so many women, including those with bursting armoires? Ann Binlot, wsj.com, 7 Apr. 2023 There are three stages of erotomania: hope, vexation, and grudge, says Faden. Naydeline Mejia, Women's Health, 9 Mar. 2023 Another point of vexation aside from the cost is that, given the complex nature of selecting and installing this type of specialist equipment, such policies and practices are yet another glaring example of the double standards and contradictions applied to the treatment of disabled people. Gus Alexiou, Forbes, 27 Apr. 2021

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'vexation.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Time Traveler
The first known use of vexation was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near vexation

Cite this Entry

“Vexation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/vexation. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

vexation

noun
vex·​a·​tion vek-ˈsā-shən How to pronounce vexation (audio)
1
: the quality or state of being vexed : irritation
2
: the act of vexing : annoyance
3
: a cause of trouble or worry

More from Merriam-Webster on vexation

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!