Word
exasperation
Phoneticsex·as·per·a·tion, stress on the fourth syllable
US/ˌɛkˌsæspɝˈeɪʃən/
UK/ɛɡzˌɑːspəɹˈeɪʃən/
Uncountable noun
Definition
n. a strong feeling of being annoyed because something keeps going wrong or someone will not listen. You feel it when you have tried many times and nothing works.
n. intense irritation or frustration provoked by repeated annoyance, delay, or opposition. Often signalled by sighs, sharp tone, or abrupt gestures.
Examples
“She sighs in exasperation when the bus is late again.”
“The teacher looks up in exasperation as the same phone rings for the third time during the lesson.”
“After hours of explaining the same form to impatient travellers, the clerk's polite smile gave way to quiet exasperation.”
Examples
simple
“She sighs in exasperation when the bus is late again.”
contextual
“The teacher looks up in exasperation as the same phone rings for the third time during the lesson.”
complex
“After hours of explaining the same form to impatient travellers, the clerk's polite smile gave way to quiet exasperation.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “exasperation” in context.
Verb
01. conceal exasperation
“She tried hard to conceal her exasperation during the meeting.”
verb + noun
02. exasperation grows
“Her exasperation grew as the traffic failed to move.”
noun + verb
03. express exasperation
“The parents expressed exasperation at the constant delays.”
verb + noun
04. groan with exasperation
“He groaned with exasperation when the computer crashed again.”
verb + prep + noun
05. provoke exasperation
“His endless questions began to provoke exasperation.”
verb + noun
06. shout in exasperation
“She shouted in exasperation after calling his name three times.”
verb + prep + noun
Adjective
07. mild exasperation
“He spoke with mild exasperation after waiting for an hour.”
adj + noun
08. sheer exasperation
“She stared at the broken printer in sheer exasperation.”
adj + noun
Noun
09. cry of exasperation
“She gave a loud cry of exasperation at the mess.”
noun + prep + noun
10. look of exasperation
“He shot me a look of exasperation across the table.”
noun + prep + noun
11. cry out in exasperation
“She cried out in exasperation after losing the file again.”
12. shake head in exasperation
“She shook her head in exasperation at the repeated mistakes.”
Usage
Often appears in the phrases 'in exasperation' and 'with exasperation', typically with verbs like sigh, groan, or shake the head.
Real-World Examples
“Protesters expressed exasperation as the debate in parliament over the measures highlighted bitter divisions about how to address the crisis.” “European Competition Commissioner Joaquim Almunia has expressed exasperation with the slow pace of its restructuring.” Synonyms
Antonyms
Related words
- 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
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