Word
plaguing
Phoneticsplagu·ing, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈpɫeɪɡɪŋ/
UK/plˈeɪɡɪŋ/
Definition
v. to cause someone trouble or pain again and again over a long time. You use it when a problem will not go away.
v. present participle of 'plague'; refers to causing persistent affliction or repeated trouble, whether by disease, problems, or doubts.
Examples
“Delays are plaguing our morning bus route again.”
“Injuries are plaguing the team just weeks before the final tournament.”
“Doubts that had been plaguing her for months finally lifted when the test results confirmed her recovery.”
Examples
simple
“Delays are plaguing our morning bus route again.”
contextual
“Injuries are plaguing the team just weeks before the final tournament.”
complex
“Doubts that had been plaguing her for months finally lifted when the test results confirmed her recovery.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “plaguing” in context.
Verb
01. continue to plague
“Low wages continue to plague the farming industry.”
verb + to + verb
02. drought plagues
“Severe drought plagues the region almost every summer.”
noun + verb
03. injury plagues
“A serious knee injury plagues the striker this season.”
noun + verb
04. plague community
“Drug crime continues to plague the local community.”
verb + noun
05. plague economy
“High inflation continues to plague the national economy.”
verb + noun
Adjective
06. constantly plague
“Traffic jams constantly plague the city centre during rush hour.”
adv + verb
07. continually plague
“Technical faults continually plague the old train line.”
adv + verb
Noun
08. plague for decade
“Corruption has plagued the city for a decade.”
verb + prep + noun
09. plague since childhood
“Asthma has plagued her since childhood.”
verb + prep + noun
10. continue to plague the city
“Traffic and pollution continue to plague the city.”
11. injuries plaguing the team
“With so many injuries plaguing the team, the coach had few options.”
12. plagued by problems for years
“The housing project has been plagued by problems for years.”
Usage
The verb is transitive and takes a direct object; the -ing form often modifies a noun phrase ('problems plaguing the city').
Related words
- 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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