# aggravated

/ˈæɡɹəˌveɪtɪd/ (US) · /ˈæɡɹɐvˌeɪtɪd/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/aggravated
Updated: 2026-08-08

## Senses

### 1. annoyed or frustrated

adjective · CEFR B2

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

For teachers: 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.

### 2. made more serious

adjective · CEFR C1 · Technical

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

For teachers: 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.

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

## Examples

- He felt aggravated by the constant interruptions.
- The athlete's knee injury became aggravated after he tried to return to training too early.
- The legal team argued that the defendant's actions were aggravated by a complete lack of remorse, leading the judge to consider a more severe sentence than usual.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.