increasing exasperation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "increasing exasperation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a growing sense of frustration or annoyance over time. Example: "As the meeting dragged on without any resolution, I felt my increasing exasperation becoming harder to contain."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

The party has shown increasing exasperation with him.

The New York Times

In fact, "Chuck and Buck" was a direct reaction to his increasing exasperation with network television.

The New York Times - Arts

With the national mood so somber and contentious, President Fernando Henrique Cardoso has shown signs of increasing exasperation.

The New York Times

Lièvremont has had an interesting four years as national coach, experimenting wildly in selection to the increasing exasperation of the Tricolore populace.

Independent

Charlie demands with increasing exasperation that all of them go; they vow to stay to keep him from lapsing back into a funk.

The New York Times

Ferguson, interviewing them from behind the camera (Matt Damon narrates the film), questions them with increasing exasperation, and, one after another, the academics disgrace themselves.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

I have heard from you an increasing amount of exasperation, an edge — even mockery sometimes.

The New York Times

But when Marine succeeded her father in 2011, she started to rebuild the party, as events – high unemployment, increasing immigration, and exasperation with the dictates of the European Union – began to have their effect.

Independent

After all the resources spent and goodwill extended, many white people, in exasperation, ask me why we haven't gotten further in racial understanding or increasing the diversity in our workplaces and lives.

Huffington Post

We see, for example, his exasperation and anger over threats from intrusive phone callers, and the pressure that the increasing danger to his family places on his relationship with his wife, Coretta Carmen Ejogoo).

The New York Times - Arts

"Four dollars per gallon has typically been the tipping point when people go from complacency to exasperation," said Geoff Garin, a Democratic pollster, who notes that people have begun mentioning gas prices with increasing urgency in his focus groups.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "increasing exasperation" to depict a gradual build-up of annoyance or frustration, particularly in situations where initial patience has worn thin. For example, "The team's "increasing exasperation" with the project delays was palpable."

Common error

Avoid using "increasing exasperation" to describe a sudden, immediate outburst. This phrase is best suited for situations where frustration grows over time, not for a single, isolated incident.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "increasing exasperation" functions as a noun phrase, where "increasing" acts as a modifier, specifying the growing nature of the exasperation. As Ludwig AI suggests, this expression denotes a gradual accumulation of annoyance or frustration.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Formal & Business

7%

Science

5%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "increasing exasperation" is a phrase used to describe a gradual build-up of frustration or annoyance. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and commonly used, particularly in news and media contexts. It is best used to describe a situation where negative emotions are escalating over time. Alternatives such as "growing irritation" or "mounting frustration" can be used to convey similar meanings. Avoid using it to describe sudden outbursts of anger. The prevalence of this phrase in reputable sources like The New York Times and The Guardian underscores its acceptability and utility in written English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

mounting frustration

Emphasizes the accumulation of frustration over time.

growing irritation

Focuses more on mild annoyance rather than intense frustration.

rising annoyance

Highlights the gradual increase in feeling bothered.

intensifying aggravation

Stresses the worsening of an already negative feeling.

escalating discontent

Suggests a more significant level of unhappiness and dissatisfaction.

gathering discontent

Suggests a gradual accumulation of unhappiness.

heightening impatience

Specifically refers to a growing lack of patience.

developing resentment

Implies a building sense of bitterness and indignation.

accumulating anger

Focuses specifically on the buildup of anger.

swelling indignation

Conveys a sense of righteous anger growing stronger.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "increasing exasperation" in a sentence?

To effectively use "increasing exasperation", contextualize it within a scenario where frustration is building over time. For example: "Witnessing repeated errors, the supervisor's "increasing exasperation" became evident."

What are some alternatives to "increasing exasperation"?

Alternatives include "growing irritation", "mounting frustration", or "rising annoyance", each conveying a similar sentiment of building frustration but with slightly different nuances.

Is "increasing exasperation" a formal or informal expression?

"Increasing exasperation" is generally considered a neutral expression, suitable for both formal and informal contexts, although more formal situations might benefit from alternatives such as "growing dissatisfaction".

What's the difference between "increasing exasperation" and "sudden anger"?

"Increasing exasperation" describes a gradual buildup of frustration, whereas "sudden anger" refers to an immediate outburst of anger. The former is a process, the latter is an event.