irritating

adjective

ir·​ri·​tat·​ing ˈir-ə-ˌtā-tiŋ 

: causing displeasure, anger, or annoyance

an irritating noise/habit

I felt more and more angry. There was something very irritating and aggressive in Summerlee's demeanour.

—Arthur Conan Doyle

irritatingly

ˈir-ə-ˌtā-tiŋ-lē 

adverb

The computer was irritatingly slow.

Synonyms

• abrasive
• aggravating
• annoying
• bothersome
• carking
• chafing
• disturbing
• exasperating
• frustrating
• galling
• irksome
• maddening
• nettlesome
• nettling
• peeving
• pesky
• pestiferous
• pestilent
• pestilential
• pesty
• plaguey
• plaguy
• rankling
• rebarbative
• riling
• vexatious
• vexing

Examples of irritating in a Sentence

his particularly irritating habit of leaving his dirty clothes on the floor

this soap leaves a residue that might be a little irritating if you have sensitive skin

Recent Examples on the Web

This digital friction has become so commonplace it’s become accepted as an irritating fact of digital life. —Sandy Carter, Forbes, 26 Nov. 2024

Vinegar, baking soda, and lemon juice can be effective and are generally less irritating. —Alyssa Shaffer, Better Homes & Gardens, 23 Nov. 2024

The cleansing agent can also be irritating and may result in severe adverse reactions when used improperly. —Sherri Gordon, Health, 21 Nov. 2024

The mineral formula is less irritating for sensitive and acne-prone skin, but doesn’t leave a white cast because of its subtle tint. —Jessica Kasparian, SELF, 1 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1707, in the meaning defined above