Word
irritating
Phoneticsir·ri·tat·ing, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈɪɹəˌteɪtɪŋ/
UK/ˈɪɹɪtˌeɪtɪŋ/
Definitions
01annoying
B1 · Intermediate
adj. making you feel slightly angry or impatient.
adj. causing a state of annoyance, impatience, or mild anger.
“It is really irritating when people talk loudly on their phones in the library.”
“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.
Synonyms
02causing physical pain
B2 · Upper Intermediate Medicine
adj. making a part of your body sore, itchy, or red.
adj. causing physical inflammation, discomfort, or a painful reaction in a body part.
“The wool sweater was very irritating to my sensitive skin.”
“The chemical fumes proved highly irritating to the workers' eyes, necessitating the immediate installation of a more robust ventilation system.”
- 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.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL 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: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B1 · Intermediate
- Updated
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