irritation

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "irritation" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to feeling of annoyance or frustration, usually prompted by something minor. For example: "The constant noises next door were a source of irritation for her."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Lifestyle

Opinion

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"But there seems to be growing irritation towards how international obligations operate.

The Guardian

Who can I get advice from about preventing irritation to a scar on a two-hour run?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The irritation started when I entered the first room of the Royal Academy's much-touted epic exhibition Rubens and His Legacy and my eyes fell on a painting by John Constable.

The Guardian - Arts

There seems to be growing irritation towards how international obligations operate Dominic Grieve Those close to the policy of quitting the ECHR insist it will be put to the electorate; other Conservative sources suggest Downing Street may be cooling on the proposal at a time when European unity is threatened – not least by Russian activity in Ukraine and on the fringes of Eastern Europe.

The Guardian

Local people struggling with intermittent water supplies in the midst of a severe drought have also expressed irritation at the liberal use of sprinklers to keep the new course green.

The Guardian

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

His irritation that the school in Norwich, run by headteacher Rachel de Souza, didn't then offer him the chance to provide feedback to Ofsted over its performance led him to complain to the regulator.

The Guardian

On one side of a large, round wooden table sat two senior officials from the Cabinet Office, nursing cups of coffee and unconcealed irritation.

The Guardian

Sitting still became a boon and a comfort, even a luxury, rather than a threat or an irritation.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Later, over lunch at the wonderful Bloom's restaurant, I shared my irritation with a colleague.

The Guardian - Opinion

Warsi has long held the view that British interests are harmed by a perception of official indifference to Palestinian suffering, and has tried, with escalating levels of irritation, to get that point across in private.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about emotional responses, consider the intensity of the feeling you wish to convey; "irritation" is suitable for mild to moderate annoyance, while stronger terms might be more appropriate for intense anger.

Common error

Avoid using "irritation" to describe situations involving extreme anger or rage. Use stronger words like "fury" or "outrage" when the situation warrants it.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "irritation" is as a noun. It typically functions as the subject or object of a sentence, referring to a state of annoyance, frustration, or physical discomfort. Ludwig examples demonstrate its versatile usage in expressing various levels of displeasure.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Lifestyle

14%

Opinion

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "irritation" is a commonly used noun that describes a state of annoyance or discomfort. Ludwig AI confirms that this word can be used in many circumstances. Its neutral register makes it appropriate for various contexts, from news reports to casual conversations. While it's useful for expressing mild to moderate displeasure, remember to choose stronger terms like "fury" or "outrage" when describing more intense anger. Be sure to look into related terms such as "annoyance" or "exasperation" for more specific feelings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

annoyance

A milder and more general term for the feeling of being bothered or disturbed.

exasperation

Implies a state of frustration and impatience, often due to repeated annoyances.

vexation

Suggests a more prolonged or intense form of annoyance.

aggravation

Focuses on the worsening of a situation or feeling of annoyance.

displeasure

A more formal term indicating dissatisfaction or disapproval.

resentment

Indicates a feeling of indignation or bitterness caused by a perceived wrong.

indignation

A stronger feeling of anger or annoyance caused by something perceived as unjust or unfair.

umbrage

A feeling of offense or annoyance, often implying wounded pride.

pique

A transient feeling of wounded vanity; resentment.

chagrin

A feeling of vexation, marked by disappointment or humiliation.

FAQs

How to use "irritation" in a sentence?

You can use "irritation" to describe a state of annoyance or a cause of annoyance. For example, "The delay caused considerable irritation" or "He expressed his irritation with the new policy".

What can I say instead of "irritation"?

You can use alternatives like "annoyance", "exasperation", or "vexation" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "irritation" or "irritated"?

"Irritation" is a noun, referring to the state of being annoyed. "Irritated" is an adjective, describing someone who is experiencing irritation. For example, "I felt irritation" versus "I was irritated".

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

"Irritation" often stems from minor annoyances, while "frustration" arises when one's efforts to achieve something are blocked. "Irritation" is a milder form of "frustration".