Word
irritant
Phoneticsir·ri·tant, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈɪɹətənt/
UK/ˈɪɹɪtənt/
Countable noun
Definition
n. a substance that causes a red, itchy, or painful reaction on your skin or in your eyes. It can also be a person or thing that makes you feel annoyed or angry.
n. a substance that causes inflammation or a physical reaction when it comes into contact with living tissue. In a figurative sense, it refers to a person or situation that causes annoyance or frustration.
Examples
“The chemical is a common skin irritant that causes rashes.”
“The doctor warned that the new laundry detergent contains a powerful irritant that might affect sensitive skin.”
“While the physical irritant was easily removed, the psychological impact of the constant noise from the construction site lingered for weeks.”
Examples
simple
“The chemical is a common skin irritant that causes rashes.”
contextual
“The doctor warned that the new laundry detergent contains a powerful irritant that might affect sensitive skin.”
complex
“While the physical irritant was easily removed, the psychological impact of the constant noise from the construction site lingered for weeks.”
Real-World Examples
“Despite alcohol not being a major export to Canada, the banning of booze sales by every province except Alberta and Saskatchewan has been a major irritant for the Americans.” “Image caption, US trade representative Jamieson Greer (right) said the deal eliminates several trade irritants that the Americans had with Canada.” Etymology
From French irritant, equivalent to irritate + -ant.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
NOUN
Domain
- 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.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL 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: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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