Besetting

Besetting describes a problem, habit, or feeling that constantly troubles or plagues someone. It signifies something persistent and difficult to overcome, a challenge that continually confronts or hinders progress. Often used to portray personal struggles, internal conflicts, or recurring difficulties. It implies a consistent presence, not merely an occasional occurrence, suggesting a deep-seated and often frustrating element within a situation or individual's life.

Besetting meaning with examples

• His besetting insecurity made public speaking a terrifying ordeal. He'd meticulously prepare, yet the fear of judgment would always cripple him, making it difficult to convey his message. He needed to find ways to boost his confidence, to quiet the voice of his doubt and finally overcome his debilitating apprehension.
• The company's besetting issue was a lack of communication, leading to misunderstandings and missed deadlines. Departments operated in silos, each lacking insight into others' projects, generating a cycle of missteps, inefficiencies, and growing employee frustration, impacting productivity and client relations.
• Her besetting perfectionism prevented her from completing projects. She'd strive for flawlessness and consequently, it would lead to procrastination, endless revisions, and an inability to ever deem her work finished. The resulting stress created a cycle of dissatisfaction, making her goal harder to attain.
• One of the town's besetting problems was the constant traffic congestion during rush hour, affecting residents and visitors alike. Even attempts to alleviate the issue often resulted in temporary relief before the gridlock was re-established, creating daily delays and contributing to widespread commuter dissatisfaction.
• His besetting habit of procrastination caused major issues, as he always left everything to the last minute. This always made it difficult to meet deadlines, causing stress, and also reduced the quality of his work. The constant pressure created a feeling of chaos, further fueling his habit.