Definitions

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.

And that’s not even the most galling part.

From Slate • May 19, 2026

To the U.A.E., this was especially galling because several OPEC+ states were routinely falling short of their production targets.

From Barron's • May 4, 2026

What is especially galling, some victims said, is that their compensation for years of fighting for justice will boil down to a day’s pay for a Purdue attorney like Huebner, who charges $2,935 an hour.

From Salon • Apr. 24, 2026

The galling sight of Ireland and Wales winning championships and Grand Slams, partying hard as Scotland stared in the window.

From BBC • Mar. 13, 2026

What made it more galling was that Pete’s reputation was part myth.

From "Unbroken" by Laura Hillenbrand

Vocabulary lists containing galling

Tuck Everlasting

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

Unbroken

Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!

A Separate Peace

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!