Word adjective
irritating
adj.
US /ˈɪɹəˌteɪtɪŋ/ UK /ˈɪɹɪtˌeɪtɪŋ/ ir·ri·tat·ing
Definition
- 01 B1 Intermediate
making you feel slightly angry or impatient.
causing a state of annoyance, impatience, or mild anger.
Simple“It is really irritating when people talk loudly on their phones in the library.”
In context“The most irritating aspect of the new software update is the way it resets your custom preferences without warning.”
PitfallI 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.
- 02 B2 Upper Intermediate
making a part of your body sore, itchy, or red.
causing physical inflammation, discomfort, or a painful reaction in a body part.
Simple“The wool sweater was very irritating to my sensitive skin.”
In context“The chemical fumes proved highly irritating to the workers' eyes, necessitating the immediate installation of a more robust ventilation system.”
This entry
Level B1 · Intermediate
Frequency Frequent
Updated