Galling

/ˈɡɔː.lɪŋ/

Meaning & Definition

verb

To irritate or annoy someone.

His constant interruptions during the meeting were galling to everyone present.

adjective

Causing annoyance or resentment; irritating.

It was galling to see someone else get the promotion I had worked so hard for.

Extreme and/or humiliating.

The galling defeat left the team feeling embarrassed and angry.

From the word 'gall', derived from Old English 'gealla' meaning bile or bitterness.

galling experience

A situation that is very frustrating or irritating.

galling defeat

A loss that is especially bitter or hard to accept.

gall

To irritate or annoy.

gallantry

Courage and nobility in action.

A frustrating situation.

Missing the bus was a galling moment for me.

Something annoying, often used in jest.

That late email was just galling.