English Reference

Word

aggravated

Phoneticsag·gra·vat·ed

US/ˈæɡɹəˌveɪtɪd/

UK/ˈæɡɹɐvˌeɪtɪd/

Definitions

01annoyed or frustrated

B2

adj. feeling very annoyed, especially because a problem is not going away.

adj. experiencing a state of heightened irritation or frustration. Often used to describe a reaction to repetitive or persistent nuisances.

“He felt aggravated by the constant noise from the construction site next door.”

“The commuters grew increasingly aggravated as the delay stretched into its second hour without any official explanation from the station staff.”

Antonyms

02made more serious

C1 · Law

adj. describing a crime or situation that is more serious or violent than usual.

adj. denoting an offence made more serious by attendant circumstances, such as the use of a weapon or intent to cause serious harm.

“The man was charged with aggravated assault because he was carrying a weapon.”

“The prosecution argued for a harsher sentence, citing the aggravated nature of the robbery and the psychological trauma inflicted on the victims.”

Technical

Usage

Usually placed immediately before the noun it modifies, such as 'aggravated assault' or 'aggravated burglary'.

Antonyms

Real-World Examples

“The court also found that Kavala's aggravated life sentence amounted to "inhuman and degrading treatment".”
BBC News · 25 Aug 2026
“Police had mistaken him for a suspect in an aggravated burglary .”
The Guardian · 25 Aug 2026

This entry

Level
B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency
Frequent
Updated

Scan code

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English Reference