nettlesome

[ net-l-suhm ]

adjective

1. causing irritation, vexation, or annoyance:

   to cope with a nettlesome situation.

2. easily provoked or annoyed:

   to become nettlesome over trivial matters.

nettlesome

/ ˈnɛtəlsəm /

adjective

1. causing or susceptible to irritation

Word History and Origins

Origin of nettlesome¹

First recorded in 1760–70; nettle + -some ¹

Example Sentences

The delays are particularly nettlesome for the Arlington, Va., aerospace giant because it’s years behind SpaceX in launching a crewed capsule to service the space station.

From Los Angeles Times

Abortion has long been a nettlesome issue for Trump, whose stated views have evolved over the decades from supporting to staunchly opposing legalized abortion.

From Los Angeles Times

But, for the prosecutors, the fractured gun parts have raised nettlesome questions about the integrity of the firearm.

From Los Angeles Times

The same can’t be said of several recent top editors of the New York Times, hobbled variously by nettlesome personalities, bad timing and worse luck.

From Los Angeles Times

Perhaps, some analysts suggested, it marked the demise of a nettlesome character whose usefulness — as a deniable military asset, international fixer and pro-Kremlin master of the media dark arts — had run its course.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• annoying
• distressing
• irksome
• nagging
• troublesome
• vexing