vexed

American  

[vekst] / vɛkst /

adjective

1. irritated; annoyed.

   The shop's customers were often vexed at the slow sales clerks.

2. much discussed or disputed; difficult to resolve or understand; contentious.

   The mining rights for that area are a vexed issue.

3. afflicted by torment or trouble (often used in combination).

   Citizens showed increasing frustration with the corruption-vexed government.

4. tossed about, as by waves or other physical forces.

   The loud, perpetual roar of the vexed waters filled the valley.

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vexed British  

/ vɛkst, ˈvɛksɪdlɪ /

adjective

1. annoyed, confused, or agitated

2. much debated and discussed (esp in the phrase a vexed question )

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Other Word Forms

• half-vexed adjective
• unvexed adjective
• vexedly adverb
• vexedness noun

Etymology

Origin of vexed

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English; see origin at vex, -ed ²

Explanation

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.

Example Sentences

Though timing these cycles has vexed many investors, there was a fairly familiar pattern of sales growing quickly, then shrinking.

From Barron's • Mar. 18, 2026

In his statement, he said the post had followed Mr Lammy's visit to the Caribbean when he was foreign secretary and was about the "vexed issue" of reparations for former colonial nations affected by slavery.

From BBC • Jan. 8, 2026

Rubbing his head in frustration on the touchline, Guardiola seemed especially vexed by Abdukodir Khusanov's leaden-footed attempt to close down Grimaldo prior to the goal.

From Barron's • Nov. 25, 2025

Whether she can bring pressure to bear on the independent central bank is unclear, and this isn’t a good idea when voters are vexed by inflation.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 6, 2025

But what vexed me most was his saying that every man should be master of himself.

From "Crispin: The Cross of Lead" by Avi

Related Words

• afraid
• agitated
• anguished
• anxious
• apprehensive
• edgy
• fearful
• impatient
• insecure
• irritable
• jittery
• nervous
• precarious
• restless
• shaky
• strained
• suspicious
• tense
• troubled
• uncomfortable