vexation

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "vexation" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a feeling of exasperation, annoyance, or bother. Example sentence: The constant disruptions to his daily routine caused a great deal of vexation.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The DfE's late play of the "vexation" card had bought them back their secrecy.

The Guardian

There is also the vexation of many overlapping authorities.

The Economist

Adam Smith spoke for many when he bemoaned the "unnecessary trouble, vexation, and oppression" the people suffer at the hands of the tax-gatherers.The White House claims to be listening.

The Economist

"It was an ongoing vexation that his true subject was buried somewhere out of reach, and could perhaps never be spoken aloud," Forster says of himself.

The Economist

But self-grooming spares a man "the frequent vexation of waiting for barbers, and of their sometimes dirty fingers, offensive breaths, and dull razors".Richard Layard, an economist at the London School of Economics, provides one prominent example of the transformation that some dismal scientists have undergone.

The Economist

When the Australian government tried to translate its tax rules into plain English it discovered that five lines of code could decompress into as many as five pages of comprehensible prose.In part, "trouble, vexation and oppression" are the price Americans pay for the tax exemptions, deductions and concessions they cherish so much.

The Economist

For want of this, much vexation and loss of time is occasioned while seeking vessels in use, or in cleansing those employed by different persons for various purposes.No corner of the kitchen escaped Catharine Beecher's critical eye, nor the precision of her advice.

The Economist

Pavin Chachavalpongpun, a Thai academic at Kyoto University, thinks the government may try to string out the hearings as a vexation and a bargaining chip.Siamese twinsThat this strategy could bear fruit says much about Pheu Thai's failure to outgrow the grip that Mr Thaksin holds on the party.

The Economist

Then, to her huge vexation, she burst into tears.The Japanese negotiators hated Article 24.

The Economist

It is a matter of wonderment to outsiders and of vexation to a number of insiders that proud nations have agreed to share power in many spheres, even if the decision-taking can be painfully slow.

The Economist

The Greeks also say that the Macedonians want to steal their Hellenic identity for themselves exhibit A, the "appropriation" of Alexander.The name issue, which has halted Macedonia's accession to both the European Union and NATO, has caused much vexation for friends of the two countries.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "vexation" to add a touch of formality or sophistication when describing feelings of annoyance or irritation. It's particularly effective in formal writing or when aiming for a slightly elevated tone.

Common error

Avoid using "vexation" in casual conversations or informal writing. Its formal tone can sound out of place in everyday contexts where simpler words like "annoyance" or "irritation" would be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "vexation" is as a noun. Ludwig AI examples show it describing the state of being annoyed or irritated, or referring to something that causes annoyance.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Encyclopedias

12%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Academia

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "vexation" is a grammatically correct and frequently used noun that describes a state of annoyance or irritation. Ludwig AI indicates the word is usable in written English to describe feelings of exasperation, annoyance, or bother. It's commonly found in formal writing, news articles, and encyclopedic entries, lending a touch of sophistication to the expression of negative emotions. While versatile, it's best reserved for contexts where a more formal tone is appropriate. Alternatives such as "annoyance", "irritation", and "frustration" may be more suitable for casual conversations. The insights derived from the provided examples and the linguistic analysis offer a comprehensive understanding of how to effectively incorporate "vexation" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

annoyance

Direct synonym, focusing on the feeling of being bothered or irritated.

irritation

Similar to annoyance, but can imply a slightly stronger feeling of impatience or anger.

frustration

Highlights the feeling of being blocked from achieving a goal or desire.

exasperation

Implies a state of being intensely annoyed or frustrated.

aggravation

Focuses on the worsening of a situation or feeling.

chagrin

Emphasizes a feeling of disappointment or embarrassment at a failure or mistake.

displeasure

A more formal way of expressing dissatisfaction or annoyance.

trouble

General term indicating difficulty or problems.

bother

Implies a mild form of annoyance or inconvenience.

irritant

Something that causes annoyance or irritation.

FAQs

How to use "vexation" in a sentence?

You can use "vexation" to describe a state of annoyance or irritation, as in "The constant delays caused considerable "vexation"". It can also refer to something that causes annoyance.

What can I say instead of "vexation"?

You can use alternatives like "annoyance", "irritation", or "frustration" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. The best alternative depends on the context of the sentence.

Which is correct, "vexation" or "vexationed"?

"Vexation" is the correct noun form. "Vexed" is the adjective form, while "vexationed" is not a standard English word.

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

"Vexation" generally refers to a state of being annoyed or irritated, while "frustration" implies a feeling of being blocked from achieving a goal. While related, "frustration" often involves a sense of powerlessness that "vexation" doesn't necessarily carry.