galling

[gaw-ling] / ˈgɔ lɪŋ /

ADJECTIVE

very upsetting

Synonyms

STRONG

aggravating annoying bitter exasperating harassing humiliating irritating plaguing provoking rankling vexing

WEAK

acid afflictive bothersome distasteful grievous irksome nettlesome painful unpalatable vexatious

Antonyms

STRONG

agreeable pleasant

WEAK

cheering comforting pleasing satisfying soothing wonderful

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The most galling part was that in Zenica, near Sarajevo, on Tuesday, the Italians had scored first.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 1, 2026

It has been particularly galling, Williamson said, because "confidence was starting to build a little bit" in the sector.

From BBC • Mar. 16, 2026

Perhaps the most galling part of Cannon’s order, though, was that she issued it at all.

From Slate • Feb. 26, 2026

The most galling part is how rarely they do.

From Salon • Feb. 25, 2026

That she was barred from some journeys and not others was increasingly galling.

From "The Girl Who Drank the Moon" by Kelly Barnhill