SKIP TO CONTENT

vexed

/ˈvɛkst/
/vɛkst/
IPA guide

Other forms: vexedly

Vexed means "difficult and much debated." If your family is having trouble coming to an agreement about where to go on vacation next summer, your holiday trip has become a vexed issue.

When people can't resolve an issue or find a solution, it is a vexed problem — one that's become complicated because of differing and probably strong opinions. Vexed can also describe being irritated. If you borrowed your sister's car without asking permission, and if she had a fancy way of putting things, she might tell you she's incredibly vexed with you right now.

Definitions of vexed
  1. adjective
    troubled persistently especially with petty annoyances
    “the vexed parents of an unruly teenager”
    troubled
    characterized by or indicative of distress or affliction or danger or need
  2. adjective
    causing difficulty in finding an answer or solution; much disputed
    “the vexed issue of priorities”
    “we live in vexed and troubled times”
    synonyms:
    difficult, hard
    not easy; requiring great physical or mental effort to accomplish or comprehend or endure
Cite this entry
Style:
MLA
  • MLA
  • APA
  • Chicago

Copy citation
DISCLAIMER: These example sentences appear in various news sources and books to reflect the usage of the word ‘vexed'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Vocabulary.com or its editors. Send us feedback
Word Family