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trying

/traɪɪŋ/
/ˈtraɪɪŋ/
IPA guide

Other forms: tryingly

Use the adjective trying to describe an experience that is exasperating or difficult. Babysitting rascally kids for hours can be a trying ordeal.

If you've had a trying week, you'll be relieved and happy when Friday night finally arrives. Trying things can be upsetting, tricky, or strenuous. This word comes from a sense of the verb try that means "to make severe demands on a person, or on a person's patience." The first recorded use of trying was in the early 18th century.

Definitions of trying
  1. adjective
    hard to endure
    “fell upon trying times”
    synonyms:
    difficult, hard
    not easy; requiring great physical or mental effort to accomplish or comprehend or endure
  2. adjective
    extremely irritating to the nerves
    “a trying day at the office”
    disagreeable
    not to your liking
Pronunciation
US
/traɪɪŋ/
UK
/ˈtraɪɪŋ/
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DISCLAIMER: These example sentences appear in various news sources and books to reflect the usage of the word ‘trying'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Vocabulary.com or its editors. Send us feedback
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