exasperation

noun

ex·​as·​per·​a·​tion ig-ˌza-spə-ˈrā-shən 

1

: the state of being exasperated

2

: the act or an instance of exasperating someone

Synonyms

• aggravation
• aggro [British]
• annoyance
• bother
• botheration
• bugbear
• frustration
• hair shirt
• hassle
• headache
• inconvenience
• irk
• irritant
• nuisance
• peeve
• pest
• rub
• ruffle
• thorn
• trial
• vexation

Examples of exasperation in a Sentence

They had all experienced the exasperation and frustration of holiday shopping.

add people who use cell phones inconsiderately to the list of daily exasperations

Recent Examples on the Web

During the early breakfast routine, where Wallace emphasizes invention over personal interaction, Gromit reveals subtle exasperation. —Bill Desowitz, IndieWire, 21 Nov. 2024

Meanwhile, Taylor Swift's support of her partner last season brought a flood of media attention—much to the exasperation of some football fans. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024

Richarlison’s header in the last minute of stoppage time prompted Postecoglou to place his hands on his knees in exasperation. —Jay Harris, The Athletic, 20 Aug. 2024

As Maricopa County supervisors met, their tone seemed to be one of exasperation. —Sasha Hupka, The Arizona Republic, 26 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1547, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

exasperation

noun

ex·​as·​per·​a·​tion ig-ˌzas-pə-ˈrā-shən 

1

: extreme annoyance : anger

2

: a source of annoyance