# pesky

/ˈpɛski/ (US) · /pˈɛski/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/pesky
Updated: 2026-05-08

## Definition

describes something that is annoying or causes small problems over and over again. It is often used for things that are hard to get rid of, like insects or a cough.

For teachers: causing irritation or annoyance; troublesome in a persistent but relatively minor way. Often used with a lighthearted or mildly frustrated tone.

## Examples

- I finally caught that pesky fly in the kitchen.
- The gardener spent all morning trying to remove those pesky weeds from the flower beds.
- Despite the software's impressive capabilities, a few pesky bugs in the user interface continue to frustrate early adopters and hinder a full commercial release.

## Usage notes

- Typically used attributively before the noun it modifies.

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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.