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

The most galling part is how rarely they do.

From Salon • Feb. 25, 2026

This galling notion sets her on a rampage.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 25, 2026

Maybe even more galling, Finebaum said his boss had “killed” a planned interview with Trump in 2019.

From Slate • Oct. 8, 2025

How galling, too, to see newfangled manners in my suitors!

From "The Odyssey" by Homer