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 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

Ms Dyson says she found the aftercare galling, and says this is commonplace for many women.

From BBC • Nov. 10, 2025

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

From Slate • Oct. 8, 2025

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

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