exasperation

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "exasperation" is correct and usable in written English.
It is an noun that means anger and annoyance caused by irritation. Example: His exasperation grew as he waited hours for the technician to arrive.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Whereas the Tsipras government thought it could find allies by painting Germany as the problem, it has found itself up against an EU-wide front of exasperation.

The Guardian - Opinion

Exasperation with the economic and social conditions can be felt in the air in Harare among the thousands whose only concern is a decent meal.

The Guardian - Opinion

The camera cuts to Germany manager Jogi Low, who looks a lot more pleased with what he's seeing than he did during the first half, when he was often a study in irritation and exasperation.

The Guardian - Sport

Mourinho betrayed a bit of exasperation as he reported that Torres's problem might be small but it would probably mean an absence of, at least, a "couple of weeks".

The Guardian - Sport

Organisers said the protest's high turnout reflected the exasperation felt among many people after the general election result – Labour had promised to ban indefinite detention – but also follows a particularly tumultuous month for a facility plagued by damaging allegations since it opened in 2001.

The Guardian

("I work eight days a week," sighs Gonçalves de Lima, with faux exasperation. "Every day is Monday").

The Guardian - Arts

But his digs could be gratuitous and his exasperation overly theatrical.... Ryan parried this well.

The Guardian

Others inhabit their suburban milieu with occasional exasperation, recognising the imaginative energy it incites.

The Guardian - Opinion

How calling him feckless (which at the time was written with affectionate exasperation) would not help my relationship with him.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Ministers and officials were shockingly open in venting their exasperation and their contempt for the Greek finance minister, who stayed away from the group dinner.

The Guardian - Business

Len Duvall, who leads the Labour group on the London Assembly, has tweeted his exasperation, calling it a "poor decision" and complaining that the new schedule reduces the amount of time the mayoral candidate will have for "engaging with the communities of London".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "exasperation" to convey a sense of intense irritation and frustration, particularly when someone or something is causing repeated annoyance. It's stronger than simple annoyance but less intense than rage.

Common error

Avoid using "exasperation" when a milder term like "annoyance" or "irritation" would be more appropriate. "Exasperation" suggests a higher level of frustration.

Linguistic Context

The word "exasperation" functions primarily as a noun, denoting the state of being exasperated. Ludwig AI confirms its proper use in various contexts, serving to name a feeling of intense irritation or annoyance. Examples show it describing emotional states or reactions to frustrating situations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Formal & Business

18%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "exasperation" is a versatile noun that expresses a strong feeling of annoyance and frustration. As Ludwig AI confirms, its grammatical status is correct and the term is widely used in various contexts, particularly in news and media, as well as formal and business settings. While synonyms like "irritation" and "frustration" exist, "exasperation" carries a more intense emotional weight. When writing, consider the intensity of the feeling you want to convey and choose "exasperation" when a strong sense of annoyance is intended.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

frustration

Emphasizes the feeling of being blocked from achieving a goal.

irritation

Focuses more on mild annoyance rather than intense frustration.

annoyance

Indicates a feeling of mild disturbance or irritation.

irritability

Highlights a tendency to become easily annoyed or angered.

vexation

Suggests a state of being worried or annoyed about trivial matters.

indignation

Implies anger or annoyance provoked by what is perceived as unfair treatment.

resentment

Focuses on a feeling of bitterness or indignation as a result of perceived unfairness.

outrage

Indicates a strong emotional reaction of shock, anger, or indignation.

fury

Suggests intense anger or rage.

wrath

Implies intense anger, often associated with a sense of vengeance.

FAQs

How can I use "exasperation" in a sentence?

You can use "exasperation" to describe a state of being annoyed or frustrated. For example, "Her voice dripped with exasperation" or "He sighed in exasperation at the constant delays."

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

"Frustration" generally refers to feeling blocked from achieving a goal, while "exasperation" implies a higher degree of irritation and annoyance, often resulting from repeated or prolonged frustration.

Are there any synonyms for "exasperation"?

Yes, some synonyms include "irritation", "annoyance", "frustration", and "indignation". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "exasperation" in writing?

Use "exasperation" when you want to convey a strong sense of annoyance and impatience, especially when dealing with repetitive or irritating situations. It adds more emotional weight than simply stating someone is "annoyed."