# irritated

/ˈɪɹəˌteɪtəd/ (US) · /ˈɪɹɪtˌeɪtɪd/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/irritated
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. annoyed

adjective · CEFR B2

feeling slightly angry or impatient because of something or someone.

For teachers: experiencing a state of mild anger, impatience, or annoyance. Often used with the prepositions 'by', 'at', or 'with'.

- He became irritated when the train was delayed for the third time this week.
- The manager grew increasingly irritated by the constant interruptions during the board meeting, eventually asking everyone to silence their phones.

Usage: Commonly follows 'feel', 'become', or 'get'.

### 2. sore or inflamed

adjective · CEFR B2

when a part of your body is red, sore, or painful.

For teachers: describing a body part or tissue that is inflamed, sensitive, or painful due to physical friction or chemical exposure.

- Her eyes were red and irritated after spending all day swimming in the pool.
- The patient reported that his skin became irritated and itchy shortly after he started using the new laundry detergent.

Usage: Often used to describe skin, eyes, or the throat.

## Examples

- He felt irritated by the constant noise outside.
- She became increasingly irritated when the bus failed to arrive after thirty minutes of waiting in the rain.
- The manager grew visibly irritated as the presentation was repeatedly interrupted by technical glitches and minor logistical errors.

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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.