adjective

vexed

/vɛkst/ · say it: VEKST

annoyed and frustrated

In Emotions & Moods

In more detail

1. (adjective) annoyed, frustrated, or irritated

2. (adjective) (of a question or problem) difficult and much debated

Examples

1. She looked vexed when her flight was delayed again.
2. The vexed question of climate policy has divided the government for years.

How to use vexed

Vexed conveys annoyance or frustration, often from something persistent or troublesome, with a slightly more formal or literary tone than 'annoyed'. When applied to a question or problem, it describes an issue that has been hotly debated and remains unresolved. The adjective is common in both personal emotional contexts and abstract intellectual ones.

Common phrases

vexed by
vexed with
vexed question
look vexed
vexed issue

Synonyms

annoyed · irritated · frustrated · exasperated · disgruntled

Opposites

pleased · satisfied · calm

Word family

vex (verb) · vexation (noun) · vexing (adjective) · vexingly (adverb)

A common mistake

Learners sometimes confuse 'vexed' with 'vexing'; vexed describes the person who is annoyed, while vexing describes the thing that causes annoyance.

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