What does "galling" mean?
Material transfer caused by adhesion between sliding surfaces, potentially resulting in wear or binding.
Galling
adj, noun, verb
adj, noun, verb ·2 syllables ·Moderate ·College level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: Material transfer caused by adhesion between sliding surfaces, potentially resulting in wear or binding.
- Grammar: galling is listed as adj, noun, verb.
- Nearest alternatives: annoying, bothersome, irritating, vexing.
- Useful contrasts: cease, consistent, console.
- Usage evidence: The defeat was galling to his pride.
How to use "galling"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "galling" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "galling" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "galling" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "galling" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "galling" is acting as adj, noun, verb in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "annoying" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "galling", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 Material transfer caused by adhesion between sliding surfaces, potentially resulting in wear or binding. uncountable
"If, however, the input crank on the standby rudder actuator is not free to rotate with respect to the actuator housing because of galling between the shaft and bearing, the actuator housing, input crank, and control rod will act as a rigid link between the rudder and the torque tube. The inability to change the length of this link by rotation of the standby rudder actuator input crank within the actuator housing will affect the feedback mechanism between the rudder position and the MPCU input crank. This condition can result in problems ranging from high pilot control force necessary to move the rudder to uncommanded rudder deflections."
Verb
- 1 present participle and gerund of gall form-of, gerund, participle, present
Adjective
- 1 Vexing, humiliating; eliciting indignation or bitterness.
"Uruguay were quick to the ball, strong in the tackle and seemed intent on showing they were a better team than had been apparent in their defeat to Costa Rica. Yet the most galling part for England is that they helped them on their way."
Adjective
- 1 causing irritation or annoyance wordnet
Antonyms
Example
"The defeat was galling to his pride."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "galling"?
Common synonyms include: annoying, bothersome, irritating, vexing, ablation, ablative.
How do you use "galling" in a sentence?
The defeat was galling to his pride.
Etymology
From gall + -ing. The adjective follows from the verb.