out of exasperation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "out of exasperation" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe an action taken as a result of feeling frustrated or annoyed. Example: "She sighed out of exasperation when she realized the project deadline had been moved up again."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

Many users, out of exasperation, decide they'd rather live with hearing loss.

The New York Times - Health

Probably out of exasperation, I knew the song before they did.

The New Yorker

"So, out of exasperation, I turned to our sales manager and said we have to hire him.

The New York Times

I found myself cringing, not out of fear but out of exasperation and embarrassment -- for them, not myself.

The New York Times

Expatriates, these analysts say, could be seen as likely to support the opposition, since many are ethnic Chinese and Indians who went abroad, at least in part, out of exasperation with the government's longstanding policies favoring Malays.

The New York Times

Mr. Meyer left in 2005 after 15 years, partly out of exasperation over criticism of a compensation program that paid some of his top managers $17 million or more.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

(It is a student's obligation, apparently, to exploit that teacher's obligation to the point of utter, steam-out-of-the-ears exasperation).

The New York Times - Magazine

"I said, 'Could you spell that please?' "Ms. Smith said, then let out a shriek of exasperation with herself.

The New York Times

Eileen's characteristic amalgam of irony and jauntiness is very difficult to separate out, but the air of exasperation is undisguised.

The Guardian - Books

A certain amount of the normal exasperation felt at out-of-towners was directed at the pontiff, as though the Pope were one of those tourists trying to stuff a dollar bill into the Metrocard slot.

The New Yorker

In a moment of exasperation that turned out to be an inspiration, he taught them the simplest Latin rhythm he knew: the conga, unknown in this country then.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "out of exasperation", ensure it clearly connects the feeling of frustration to the subsequent action. For example, "She quit the project out of exasperation with the constant delays."

Common error

Avoid using "out of exasperation" when a simpler preposition like 'from' or 'due to' would be more direct and clear. Overusing 'out of' can make your writing sound convoluted.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "out of exasperation" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb or clause. It indicates the reason or motive behind an action, driven by a feeling of intense annoyance or frustration, which is shown by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "out of exasperation" is a grammatically sound and frequently used prepositional phrase that functions as an adverbial modifier, indicating the reason behind an action fueled by annoyance or frustration. According to Ludwig, it's suitable for neutral to formal contexts and is commonly found in news and media sources. When writing, ensure a clear connection between the feeling of exasperation and the subsequent action. While usable, avoid over-reliance on "out of" phrases when simpler prepositions can effectively convey the same meaning. Consider alternatives such as "due to irritation" or "prompted by annoyance" for variety. Finally, note, that while other options may be more descriptive or better-suited based on the context, “out of exasperation” remains a valid and useful option.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in a moment of frustration

Focuses on the temporary nature of the feeling that leads to the action.

through sheer frustration

Emphasizes the intensity of the frustration.

driven by annoyance

Highlights the feeling of annoyance as the primary motivator.

due to aggravation

Clearly indicates that the action is a consequence of something that caused aggravation.

prompted by irritation

Similar to 'driven by annoyance', but emphasizes the irritating nature of the trigger.

in response to aggravation

Highlights that the action is a direct reaction to something that caused aggravation.

because of impatience

Focuses on the lack of patience as the reason for the action.

in a fit of pique

This phrase suggests a sudden feeling of annoyance or resentment, leading to an impulsive action.

in a state of irritation

Highlights a longer-lasting feeling of annoyance compared to a single moment.

from a place of annoyance

Implies the action stems from an emotional state of being annoyed.

FAQs

How can I use "out of exasperation" in a sentence?

You can use "out of exasperation" to describe why someone did something when they were feeling annoyed or frustrated. For example, "He resigned "out of exasperation" after months of dealing with incompetent management."

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

While both phrases express negative emotions, "out of frustration" generally implies a feeling of being blocked or prevented from achieving a goal, whereas "out of exasperation" suggests a feeling of intense annoyance or irritation due to persistent problems or annoyances.

Are there any formal alternatives to "out of exasperation"?

In more formal contexts, consider using phrases like "due to persistent annoyance", "owing to accumulated frustration", or "as a result of mounting irritation" instead of "out of exasperation".

Can I start a sentence with "out of exasperation"?

Yes, starting a sentence with "out of exasperation" is grammatically correct and can be used for emphasis. For example: "Out of exasperation, she finally slammed the door shut."