# irritation

/ˌɪɹɪˈteɪʃən/ (US) · /ˌɪɹɪtˈeɪʃən/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/irritation
Updated: 2026-08-08

## Senses

### 1. annoyance

noun · CEFR B2

the feeling of being slightly angry or impatient because of something or someone.

For teachers: 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.

### 2. physical soreness

noun · CEFR B2

a painful, red, or itchy feeling on a part of your body, often your skin.

For teachers: 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.

### 3. a nuisance

noun · CEFR B2

something that makes you feel annoyed or impatient.

For teachers: 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.

## Examples

- He could not hide his irritation with the slow service.
- The constant noise from the construction site next door was a source of great irritation to the office workers.
- While the initial rash was minor, the patient reported that the irritation worsened significantly after exposure to the harsh chemicals used in the laboratory.

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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.