trying
TRAH-yihng
Trying (adj) means Difficult to endure; testing one's patience. Example: “It's been a trying week at work, with three deadlines back to back.”
adj
1
Difficult to endure; testing one's patience.
"It's been a trying week at work, with three deadlines back to back."
"Her constant complaining was trying on everyone's nerves."
"Looking after three toddlers all day can be a very trying experience."
How to use trying
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishDescribes a situation or person that is stressful or hard to put up with.
Common mistake
Don't confuse this adjective sense with the plain "-ing" form of the verb try, as in "I am trying to finish this."
Common pairings
a trying time
trying circumstances
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Word forms
- Plural
- tryings
- Comparative
- more trying
- Superlative
- most trying
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
It's been a _____ week at work, with three deadlines back to back.
Etymology
Formed from try and -ing.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for trying
See all rhymes for trying →Frequently asked questions
What does “trying” mean?
The word “trying” means difficult to endure; testing one's patience. In plain terms, describes a situation or person that is stressful or hard to put up with.
How do you pronounce “trying”?
“Trying” is pronounced TRAH-yihng (/ˈtɹaɪ.ɪŋ/ in IPA).
How do you use “trying” in a sentence?
Here is “trying” used in a sentence: “It's been a trying week at work, with three deadlines back to back.”
What part of speech is “trying”?
“Trying” is an adjective.
Is “trying” a common word?
“Trying” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the C1 level.
What does it mean to have a 'trying' day?
A trying day is one that tests your patience and stamina — full of difficulties, frustrations, or stress that wear you down. The word suggests you have been pushed close to your limit but have coped. It describes the strain of an experience rather than any single dramatic event that happened.
Is 'trying' a positive or negative word?
As an adjective, 'trying' is negative: it describes people or situations that are hard to put up with, like 'a trying toddler' or 'a trying week.' Do not confuse it with the verb 'trying,' as in making an effort, which is neutral or positive. Context makes the intended meaning clear.
What is an example of 'trying' used as an adjective?
You might say 'It has been a trying week at work' or 'Caring for a sick relative can be deeply trying.' A person can be trying too: 'Her constant complaints were trying.' In each case the word means testing, wearing, and hard to endure with patience.
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