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

Showing exasperation with the players involved does little to inspire confidence in them, and communicates to supporters that a manager is thinking about their own brand as much as the side’s performance. —Michael Cox, The Athletic, 14 Dec. 2024

And through it all, Carnesecca was a swirling, kinetic presence on the sidelines, arms flailing, legs kicking, shirttails flying, all 5-foot-6 of him curled in exasperation over a missed shot or agonizing call. —Mike Fitzpatrick, Los Angeles Times, 1 Dec. 2024

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

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