rankle

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "rankle" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it as a verb which means to irritate or annoy someone or something. Example: His stubbornness really rankles me.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The Dardenne brothers' snub in the same category at the Oscars for Two Days, One Night will rankle with Bafta voters, while Ida's Paweł Pawlikowski is seen as an honorary Brit (and the London film festival gave the film its top prize a year and a half ago).

The Guardian - Film

British, to me, will mean the British Isles and, for all our subtle differences that rankle currently, Shetlanders, Scots, Manx, Irish, Welsh and English can start to celebrate our similarities without having it forced upon us.

The Guardian

"I think that's why its problematic elements rankle – not because I'm 'offended', but because it seems lazy, repetitious.

The Guardian - Tech

Memories of how the Saudis and Opec deliberately triggered an economic crisis in the west in retaliation for US aid to Israel during the 1973 Yom Kippur war still rankle.

The Guardian

No matter that the Supreme Court overturned the first two decisions (as it has done with many Ninth Circuit eccentricities); these things still rankle with the right.The Republicans want to confine the Ninth's liberalism to California.

The Economist

That is bound to rankle with the others.

The Economist

When he distanced himself from the former prime minister, whose compromises with Conservatism still rankle with Labour purists, parts of the crowd cheered.

The Economist

After 32 years Sen McGovern is at peace with his historic defeat, but his reputation as a hater of America still appears to rankle.

The Economist

Some ill-chosen ambassadors to the region (and delays in their confirmation) rankle.

The Economist

American suggestions in the past that the Islamic Republic might be close to collapse still rankle in Tehran.

The Economist

That law was once abused to silence critics, and it continues to rankle.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "rankle" to describe persistent irritation or resentment, especially when something continues to bother someone over time. For example, "The memory of the unfair decision continued to rankle him for years."

Common error

Avoid using "rankle" to describe momentary or trivial irritations. "Rankle" implies a deeper, more prolonged sense of bitterness or resentment. Instead, use words like "annoy", "bother", or "irritate" for minor disturbances.

Linguistic Context

The verb "rankle" primarily functions to describe the action of causing persistent irritation, bitterness, or resentment. Ludwig's examples illustrate how it's used when something continues to bother or annoy someone over time. Ludwig AI confirms this is a correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Encyclopedias

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "rankle" is a grammatically correct verb used to describe something that causes persistent irritation or resentment. Ludwig confirms that it follows standard grammar rules. With many examples across various sources, it’s considered a common term, especially in News & Media. As Ludwig's examples demonstrate, the word often conveys lasting negative emotional impact. While it can be used in various contexts, it is most appropriate for describing situations that cause more than fleeting annoyance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cause irritation

Focuses on the action of causing annoyance rather than the state of being annoyed.

cause resentment

Highlights the feeling of injustice or displeasure caused by something.

foster bitterness

Emphasizes the gradual development of negative feelings.

grate on someone

Suggests a persistent and irritating effect.

provoke annoyance

Focuses on the act of inciting irritation.

inflame passions

Highlights the intensification of strong feelings, often negative.

exacerbate tensions

Emphasizes the worsening of existing strained relationships or situations.

stir up animosity

Focuses on the active creation of hostility or dislike.

leave a bad taste

Indicates a lingering negative feeling or memory.

be a thorn in one's side

Implies a persistent source of irritation or trouble.

FAQs

How to use "rankle" in a sentence?

Use "rankle" to describe something that causes persistent irritation or resentment. For example, "His constant criticism began to "rankle" her."

What can I say instead of "rankle"?

You can use alternatives like "irritate", "annoy", or "fester" depending on the context.

What does it mean when a memory "rankles"?

When a memory "rankles", it means it continues to cause pain, bitterness, or resentment even after a significant amount of time.

Which is correct, "rankle" or "wrinkle"?

"Rankle" means to cause persistent irritation or resentment, while "wrinkle" refers to a crease or fold. They have completely different meanings and are not interchangeable.