irksome
UK: ˈɜːksəm | US: ˈɜːrksəm
adj. causing annoyance or boredom
adj. tiresome or tedious
The word "irksome" combines the verb "irk," meaning "to annoy" (from Middle English "irken," possibly of Scandinavian origin), with the suffix "-some," which forms adjectives indicating a tendency or quality (e.g., "tiresome," "quarrelsome"). The term emerged in the late 14th century, originally describing something that provokes irritation or weariness. The logic is straightforward: "irk" conveys the action of annoying, while "-some" generalizes it into a persistent characteristic.
The repetitive task became increasingly irksome over time.
His constant complaints were irksome to everyone in the office.
She found the noise from the construction site irksome.
The irksome delays made the journey unbearable.
His irksome habit of interrupting others ruined the conversation.