# plaguing

/ˈpɫeɪɡɪŋ/ (US) · /plˈeɪɡɪŋ/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/plaguing
Updated: 2026-10-14

## Definition

to cause someone trouble or pain again and again over a long time. You use it when a problem will not go away.

For teachers: 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.

## Usage notes

- The verb is transitive and takes a direct object; the -ing form often modifies a noun phrase ('problems plaguing the city').

---

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.