# irked

/ˈɝkt/ (US) · /ˈɜːkt/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/irked
Updated: 2026-05-28

## Definition

feeling annoyed or irritated by something. You use this when something small or repetitive is bothering you.

For teachers: feeling annoyed, irritated, or weary. Often used predicatively after linking verbs such as 'feel', 'seem', or 'become'.

## Examples

- He felt irked by the constant noise from the street.
- She was clearly irked by his habit of interrupting her during every meeting.
- The diplomat was visibly irked by the lack of progress in the negotiations, though he maintained a professional exterior for the cameras.

## Usage notes

- Typically follows a linking verb; often takes the preposition 'by' or 'at'.

---

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.