vexatious

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "vexatious" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe something that causes annoyance, frustration, or worry, often in a legal context. Example: "The plaintiff's vexatious claims were dismissed by the court as lacking merit."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

With too little in the public domain, it is not surprising that many cases fall at the first hurdle for being "frivolous or vexatious".

The Guardian

He also pointed out that local tip-offs could sometimes be vexatious.

The Guardian - Opinion

Doubling the period for unfair dismissal rights and introducing a tribunal fee to prevent vexatious claims will give firms more confidence to hire.

The Guardian - Opinion

Second, the DfE was no longer just relying on the argument that releasing the information would be a bad thing; they were now claiming that my request was "vexatious" – plus a few other bits about cost and commercial confidentiality.

The Guardian

No doubt it's quite annoying when a citizen challenges your ministerial secrets-shield, but labelling my polite-but-persistent letter writing as "vexatious" seemed harsh.

The Guardian

This could involve restricting overall numbers of immigrants from elsewhere in the EU.Fulfilling this pledge would be vexatious, to say the least.

The Economist

PwC's survey notes the growth in "virtual" assignments, used by almost two-thirds of companies: employees with responsibilities abroad manage them from their home country, using a mixture of electronic communications and frequent business trips.But such assignments may often turn out to be less "virtual" than vexatious.

The Economist

For starters, Thai courts do not recognise the concept of vexatious litigation, so Mr Prachai has been able to bog TPI's restructuring down in endless lawsuits.

The Economist

Civil wars Bringing an end to conflicts within states is vexatious.

The Economist

The courts will henceforth have to consider the merits of administrative decisions and not only whether such decisions conformed to the proper procedures.The uncertainty produced by incorporation has spawned fears that the courts will be overwhelmed by legal actions, many of them vexatious.

The Economist

In terms of India's regional status and future prospects as a "great power", China matters most; but the vexatious relationship with Pakistan still dominates military thinking.A recent attempt to thaw relations between the two countries is having some success.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "vexatious" to describe something that causes persistent annoyance, especially in formal or legal contexts. This word adds a layer of intensity and formality compared to simpler alternatives like "annoying".

Common error

Avoid using "vexatious" in casual conversations or informal writing. Its formal tone can sound unnatural or pretentious. Opt for simpler words like "annoying" or "irritating" in such situations.

Linguistic Context

The adjective "vexatious" primarily functions to modify nouns, describing something that causes annoyance, trouble, or worry. It is often used in formal contexts, such as legal documents or news reports, as shown by Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Encyclopedias

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

2%

Wiki

1%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "vexatious" is a grammatically correct and frequently used adjective to describe something causing annoyance or trouble, particularly in formal contexts. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it effectively conveys disapproval or frustration. While versatile, it's best suited for professional and neutral registers, avoiding overuse in casual settings. Consider alternatives like "annoying" or "irritating" for less formal situations. Its prevalence in news media and encyclopedias highlights its role in authoritative and informative content.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

annoying

This alternative is more general and common, referring to something that causes irritation.

irritating

This alternative focuses on the provoking aspect of something that causes annoyance.

troublesome

This alternative suggests something that causes difficulty or problems.

distressing

This alternative implies something that causes emotional upset or pain.

aggravating

This alternative emphasizes the intensification of annoyance or frustration.

bothersome

This alternative is a milder term for something that causes slight annoyance.

pesky

This alternative describes something that is persistently annoying or troublesome.

irksome

This alternative refers to something that is tedious and irritating.

galling

This alternative suggests something that is deeply irritating or provoking.

plaguing

This alternative emphasizes the persistent and troublesome nature of something.

FAQs

How to use "vexatious" in a sentence?

You can use "vexatious" to describe something that causes annoyance, frustration, or worry. For example, "The company faced "vexatious litigation"" or "Dealing with the issue was a "vexatious matter"".

What can I say instead of "vexatious"?

Alternatives to "vexatious" include "annoying", "irritating", "troublesome", or "distressing", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What's the difference between "vexatious" and "annoying"?

"Vexatious" is a stronger and more formal term than "annoying". While "annoying" generally refers to something that causes mild irritation, "vexatious" implies a more persistent and troublesome annoyance, often in a legal or formal context.

Is "vexatious" a commonly used word?

While not as common as "annoying" or "irritating", "vexatious" is frequently used in legal, formal, and journalistic writing to describe something causing significant trouble or distress. Ludwig AI indicates its correctness and usability in written English.