Bedeviled

To be persistently troubled, tormented, or plagued by something, often implying a persistent source of difficulty, frustration, or evil. This word suggests a deep-seated, ongoing struggle, often with a force that seems to actively seek to cause trouble. The source of the trouble might be internal (e.g., self-doubt) or external (e.g., difficult circumstances). The term carries a connotation of being harassed or victimized, suggesting a challenging and persistent situation. It implies a sense of being overwhelmed or thwarted by the object or situation causing the issue. Being 'bedeviled' goes beyond simple difficulty and suggests an actively negative force at work. The resulting state is a continued suffering, annoyance or disturbance.

Bedeviled meaning with examples

• The small business owner was bedeviled by constant supply chain disruptions, making it nearly impossible to meet customer demands or plan for the future. The issues were compounded by a lack of funding. The business was close to closing down. The persistent problems created an overwhelming situation. She was struggling with the constant change.
• His mind was bedeviled by intrusive thoughts, making it hard to concentrate and causing him significant anxiety. The thoughts would surface during the day and the night. They interrupted his sleep and activities. He couldn't seem to shake them off, despite his best efforts. The thoughts were causing mental and emotional torment.
• The research team was bedeviled by inconsistent experimental results, forcing them to repeat their trials multiple times. The project's funding was running out. The lack of progress caused a lack of morale. The researchers needed to figure out what was going on. Their progress on their research kept getting stopped.
• For years, the town had been bedeviled by a corrupt mayor and his cronies, who enriched themselves at the expense of the community. Their actions caused distrust and discord. The town could not make any real progress while the mayor was in power. The situation caused financial strain and damaged the town's reputation, leading to ongoing social and political unrest.