Aggravating: meaning, definitions and examples

Use when something is persistently bothersome or worsening a situation. Often implies a continuous or repeated action that leads to increased frustration.

• His constant interruptions were aggravating the meeting
• The aggravating noise from the construction site made it hard to concentrate

Use for describing something that causes slight anger or discomfort. This word is similar to 'annoying' but may imply a physical sensation or a slightly more intense reaction.

• The itching from the mosquito bites is incredibly irritating
• His whistling is really irritating and distracting

Use for describing something mildly bothersome or irritating, often on a personal level. It is less intense than 'aggravating' and 'exasperating'.

• The sound of the dripping tap is so annoying
• It’s annoying when people talk loudly on their phones in public

Use when an action or situation is extremely frustrating, often to a breaking point. This word conveys a higher level of frustration and is often used in more serious contexts.

• Trying to solve this malfunctioning printer is exasperating
• It was exasperating to deal with the endless bureaucracy

This word is often used when something is making a situation worse or causing increased irritation.

• His attitude was aggravating the situation further.
• The constant noise from construction was extremely aggravating.

This word is generally used to describe making something more severe or unpleasant.

• Skipping medication can worsen your health condition.
• Ignoring the problem will only worsen it over time.

This word is typically used in formal contexts to describe making a bad situation, feeling, or problem worse.

• His rude comments only served to exacerbate the tension in the room.
• The heavy rainfall will exacerbate the flooding in the area.

This word is used when wanting to describe an increase in strength, degree, or force of something.

• The efforts were intensified as the deadline approached.
• Her emotions began to intensify as the reality of the situation set in.