annoyance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "annoyance" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a feeling of irritation or displeasure caused by someone or something. Example: "Her constant interruptions during the meeting were a source of great annoyance to everyone present."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

There was some annoyance from Ukip that they featured towards the end of the ballot paper, with some fear that voters may opt for one of the similarly named parties.

The Guardian

Diplomatic cables revealed that Mandela was keen to meet the British leader soon after he was released from prison to spell out his annoyance with Thatcher's decision to block sanctions against the apartheid regime.

The Guardian

Albeit cautiously, Moxon did admit to annoyance that, while England are seemingly targeting four or five coaching candidates, only Gillespie was addressed by name in the England and Wales Cricket Board press conference.

The Guardian - Sport

Elliott, also an assembly member, said: "It was no doubt done to attract attention and cause offence and annoyance.

The Guardian

And in the easy-activism world of the internet, nothing's preventing them from thinking their annoyance constitutes a political emergency.

The Guardian - Opinion

Elaine Weinstein stressed her husband's captors "bear ultimate responsibility" for his death, but said the Pakistani government had treated his captivity as "more of an annoyance than a priority", and described the assistance the family received from the US government as "inconsistent and disappointing".

The Guardian

Stephen Smith, a Gillard loyalist who had hoped to be given the foreign affairs portfolio after a gruelling stint in defence, could barely contain his public annoyance after Carr's appointment was announced.

The Guardian

It was no doubt done to attract attention and cause offence and annoyance.

The Guardian

On Thursday they posted links to files containing every email to and from Sony Pictures' top lawyer Leah Weil, including some which showed her annoyance at claims by Aaron Sorkin that he could not release the script of a film about Steve Jobs to Lisa Brennan, Jobs's daughter, because the studio owned the copyright – a claim that infuriated Weil.

The Guardian - Film

But underneath it all there were flashes of annoyance, with Farah saying he was angry to be linked with any wrongdoing when there is no suggestion he has ever cheated.

The Guardian - Sport

Their annoyance is understandable.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "annoyance" when you want to describe a state of being bothered or irritated by something. Be mindful of the intensity you wish to convey, as stronger alternatives like "exasperation" may be more appropriate for intense feelings.

Common error

Be careful not to confuse the noun "annoyance" with the verb "annoy". "Annoyance" refers to the feeling or the source of irritation, while "annoy" means to cause that feeling.

Linguistic Context

The word "annoyance" functions primarily as a noun, denoting a feeling of mild anger or irritation, or something that causes this feeling. Ludwig examples show its use in describing both the feeling itself and the source of the irritation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "annoyance" is a versatile noun that describes both the feeling of being mildly irritated and the source of that irritation. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across various contexts. While synonyms like "irritation" and "bother" exist, "annoyance" strikes a neutral tone suitable for diverse settings. Remember to use "annoyance" as a noun, distinguishing it from the verb "annoy", and be mindful of the intensity you wish to express, as stronger alternatives may be warranted. With a source quality score of 91 and an expert rating of 4.6, "annoyance" is a reliable and effective choice for conveying mild displeasure.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

irritation

Similar in meaning, but potentially slightly milder.

vexation

A more formal and intense form of annoyance.

irritation

A more formal and intense form of annoyance.

bother

A common, less formal way to express mild annoyance.

aggravation

Implies a more intense level of frustration and irritation.

exasperation

Suggests a feeling of being completely fed up.

nuisance

Refers to the cause of annoyance rather than the feeling itself.

irritant

Highlights the source of annoyance.

inconvenience

Focuses on the disruption or trouble caused.

umbrage

A feeling of offense or resentment, often more subtle than annoyance.

FAQs

How can I use "annoyance" in a sentence?

You can use "annoyance" to describe a feeling of being bothered. For example, "Her constant interruptions were a source of great annoyance". It can also refer to something that causes irritation.

What are some synonyms for "annoyance"?

Alternatives include "irritation", "vexation", or "bother", depending on the context and intensity of the feeling.

Is it correct to say 'I have an annoyance'?

While grammatically correct, it's more common to say 'I feel annoyance' or 'I have a source of annoyance'. The former emphasizes the feeling, while the latter emphasizes the cause.

What's the difference between "annoyance" and "frustration"?

"Annoyance" generally describes a milder irritation, while "frustration" implies a feeling of being blocked or prevented from achieving something, often leading to a stronger negative emotion.