Word
pestering
Phoneticspes·ter·ing, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈpɛstɝɪŋ/
UK/pˈɛstəɹɪŋ/
Definition
v. to keep asking for something or annoying someone again and again, even after they say no or ask you to stop.
v. to trouble or annoy persistently with repeated requests, questions, or interruptions.
Examples
“He keeps pestering me for extra pocket money.”
“The kids kept pestering their parents for ice cream until they finally agreed to stop at the shop.”
“After weeks of pestering the council about the broken streetlights, residents finally secured a commitment to repair the entire block before winter.”
Examples
simple
“He keeps pestering me for extra pocket money.”
contextual
“The kids kept pestering their parents for ice cream until they finally agreed to stop at the shop.”
complex
“After weeks of pestering the council about the broken streetlights, residents finally secured a commitment to repair the entire block before winter.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “pestering” in context.
Verb
01. ignore pestering
“The best response is to ignore pestering and stay calm.”
verb + noun
02. pester about permission
“She pestered her teacher about permission to leave early.”
verb + prep + noun
03. pester for money
“Teenagers often pester their parents for money to go out.”
verb + prep + noun
04. pester with questions
“The little boy pesters his sister with questions every night.”
verb + prep + noun
05. stop pestering
“Tell the kids to stop pestering the dog while it's sleeping.”
verb + noun
Adjective
06. constant pestering
“I'm tired of his constant pestering about video games.”
adj + noun
07. continual pestering
“The continual pestering from sales calls is really annoying.”
adj + noun
08. relentless pestering
“After relentless pestering, her parents finally agreed to a puppy.”
adj + noun
Noun
09. barrage of pestering
“After a barrage of pestering, the council fixed the streetlights.”
noun + prep + noun
10. keep pestering parents for treats
“The kids keep pestering parents for treats at the checkout.”
11. pester colleagues with endless questions
“He tends to pester colleagues with endless questions at lunch.”
12. pester someone into saying yes
“Don't try to pester someone into saying yes to you.”
Usage
The verb is transitive and takes a direct object.
Real-World Examples
“I’d much rather message a human than a robot to pester FedEx about my missing package.” “A video showing a young woman being pestered by catcallers has gone viral, re-igniting the debate about street harassment.” “The accused’s lawyer said his client ‘got a bit agitated because the bikers were pestering him’.” “In 2022, Matty Healy treated his appearance as an actual romantic opportunity, teasing Dimoldenberg, holding her hand and, right at the end, pestering her for a kiss for an uncomfortable length of time.” - Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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