# maddening

/ˈmædənɪŋ/ (US) · /mˈædənɪŋ/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/maddening
Updated: 2026-05-25

## Definition

extremely annoying or frustrating. You use this to describe something that makes you feel like you are losing your mind.

For teachers: causing intense frustration or irritation; extremely annoying. Often used to describe repetitive or persistent annoyances.

## Examples

- The constant dripping from the tap is maddening.
- Waiting in the long queue without any sign of progress was maddening for the passengers.
- The maddening inconsistency of the software's interface forced the developers to rewrite the entire user manual from scratch.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.