# aggravation

/ˌæɡɹəˈveɪʃən/ (US) · /ˌæɡɹɐvˈeɪʃən/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/aggravation
Updated: 2026-05-27

## Definition

a feeling of being annoyed or frustrated. It can also mean making a problem or a physical injury worse.

For teachers: 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.

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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.