Word
irritation
Phoneticsir·ri·ta·tion, stress on the third syllable
US/ˌɪɹɪˈteɪʃən/
UK/ˌɪɹɪtˈeɪʃən/
Definitions
01annoyance
B2 · Upper Intermediate Uncountable noun
n. the feeling of being slightly angry or impatient because of something or someone.
n. the psychological state of being annoyed or impatient. Uncountable in its abstract sense, though specific instances may be treated as countable.
“He tried to hide his irritation when the meeting started twenty minutes late.”
“The constant interruptions from the construction site next door were a source of growing irritation for the office staff trying to meet their deadline.”
Synonyms
02physical soreness
B2 · Upper Intermediate Uncountable noun Medicine
n. a painful, red, or itchy feeling on a part of your body, often your skin.
n. a state of inflammation or painful reaction in living tissue caused by an external agent or injury.
“The new laundry soap caused a red irritation on her arms.”
“Prolonged exposure to the chemical fumes resulted in severe nasal irritation and a persistent cough among the factory workers.”
Synonyms
03a nuisance
B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun
n. something that makes you feel annoyed or impatient.
n. a specific source of annoyance or a stimulus that provokes a state of being irritated.
“The slow internet connection was a constant irritation for the students.”
“While minor on their own, the frequent technical glitches became a significant irritation that hampered the team's overall productivity.”
Real-World Examples
“For people such as Chloe and my daughter, we’re not talking about skin irritation or a dodgy stomach, however unpleasant that might be.” “Irritation from algae in rivers and lakes might also be causing it.” Etymology
Borrowed from Middle French irritation, from Latin irrītātiō, from irrītāre (“to excite”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
NOUN
- 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.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL 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: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
- アルファベット
- 読み方の一覧 →
QR code
englishreference.com/q/irritation