Word
aggravation
Phoneticsag·gra·va·tion, stress on the third syllable
US/ˌæɡɹəˈveɪʃən/
UK/ˌæɡɹɐvˈeɪʃən/
Countable & uncountable
Definition
n. a feeling of being annoyed or frustrated. It can also mean making a problem or a physical injury worse.
n. a state of annoyance or irritation; alternatively, the act of making a condition, injury, or problem more severe. Often used in legal contexts to describe the intentional worsening of a situation.
Examples
“The long wait at the bank caused a lot of aggravation.”
“The constant noise from the construction site was a major source of aggravation for the residents.”
“While the initial injury was minor, the subsequent aggravation from repetitive strain led to a prolonged recovery period that required professional intervention.”
Examples
simple
“The long wait at the bank caused a lot of aggravation.”
contextual
“The constant noise from the construction site was a major source of aggravation for the residents.”
complex
“While the initial injury was minor, the subsequent aggravation from repetitive strain led to a prolonged recovery period that required professional intervention.”
Etymology
From Middle French aggravation.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
NOUN
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
- アルファベット
- 読み方の一覧 →
QR code
englishreference.com/q/aggravation