ENGLISH
REFERENCE

irritating

adj.
US //ˈɪɹəˌteɪtɪŋ// UK //ˈɪɹɪtˌeɪtɪŋ// ir·ri·tat·ing
  1. 1 annoying (adj.)
    B1 Intermediate

    making you feel slightly angry or impatient.

    causing a state of annoyance, impatience, or mild anger.

    Example

    It is really irritating when people talk loudly on their phones in the library.

    Example

    The most irritating aspect of the new software update is the way it resets your custom preferences without warning.
    Pitfall
    I am very irritating with my loud neighbor.
    I am very irritated by my loud neighbor.

    Use 'irritating' for the thing that causes the feeling and 'irritated' for how you feel.

  2. 2 causing physical pain (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Medicine

    making a part of your body sore, itchy, or red.

    causing physical inflammation, discomfort, or a painful reaction in a body part.

    Example

    The wool sweater was very irritating to my sensitive skin.

    Example

    The chemical fumes proved highly irritating to the workers' eyes, necessitating the immediate installation of a more robust ventilation system.

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