# exasperation

/ˌɛkˌsæspɝˈeɪʃən/ (US) · /ɛɡzˌɑːspəɹˈeɪʃən/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/exasperation
Updated: 2026-10-16

## Definition

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.

For teachers: 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.

## Synonyms

frustration, irritation, annoyance, aggravation

## Antonyms

patience, calmness

## Usage notes

- Often appears in the phrases 'in exasperation' and 'with exasperation', typically with verbs like sigh, groan, or shake the head.

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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.