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

Even more galling for his rivals was how easy he made it look.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 13, 2026

Still, it was galling, this having to admit she was afraid.

From "Tuck Everlasting" by Natalie Babbit

Vocabulary lists containing galling

Tuck Everlasting

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Unbroken

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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!