Annoyance: meaning, definitions and examples

😠

Add to dictionary

annoyance

[əˈnɔɪəns ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

feeling of irritation

Annoyance is the feeling or state of being irritated or bothered by someone or something. It is a mild form of anger, often caused by repeated actions or situations that are frustrating or bothersome.

Synonyms

aggravation, bother, irritation, vexation.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
annoyance	Annoyance is again being used to describe a situation where something is irksome or troubling to a minor degree. The buzzing fly was a constant annoyance during dinner She tried to ignore the annoyance caused by her little brother's antics
irritation	Irritation is used when something causes discomfort, annoyance, or slight anger, often noticeable but not extremely severe. His constant tapping was a source of irritation The itchy sweater caused him continuous irritation
aggravation	Aggravation implies a higher level of frustration or intensification of an already existing issue, often making a bad situation worse. His missed flights added to the aggravation of his long journey Running out of gas was just another aggravation on an already bad day
bother	Bother is often used in informal situations to describe a minor inconvenience or disturbance that may not cause serious frustration. Can you close the window? The draft is a bother It's no bother at all to lend you my book
vexation	Vexation indicates a state of being worried, annoyed, or frustrated, and is often considered more formal or literary. She spoke of her vexation over the unfair treatment at work The delay of the project was a great vexation to the team

Examples of usage

The constant noise from the construction site next door is causing me great annoyance.
Her persistent questions were starting to become a source of annoyance for him.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

cause of frustration

Annoyance can also refer to the thing or person that is causing irritation or frustration. It is something that provokes a feeling of annoyance in others.

Synonyms

aggravation, bother, irritant, nuisance.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
annoyance	Similar to 'annoyance,' it describes a feeling of slight anger or irritation. His loud chewing is a real annoyance to everyone around him
irritant	Use for something that causes persistent or continuous irritation. This often has a more literal, sometimes medical connotation. Dust is a common irritant that can trigger allergies
nuisance	Use to describe something or someone that is annoying or causes problems over a period of time, often used in a more casual or slightly negative way. The neighbor's barking dog is a constant nuisance
aggravation	Use to describe a situation or feeling that has become worse or more serious. The delayed flight only added to his aggravation
bother	Use when something causes minor inconvenience or makes someone feel troubled. Sorry to bother you, but do you have a minute?

Examples of usage

The slow internet connection is a major annoyance for the employees in the office.
His habit of tapping his pen on the desk became an annoyance for everyone in the room.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the Latin 'nua', meaning 'to harm' or 'to injure', reflecting how annoyance can feel like a little injury.
The Old French term 'anoier' means 'to annoy', which relates closely to how we understand bother today.

Psychology

Feeling annoyed can release stress hormones, explaining why minor irritations sometimes feel overwhelming.
Annoyance often triggers a fight-or-flight response, making it a natural emotional reaction to perceived threats.
Chronic annoyance can evolve into stronger emotions, such as anger or frustration, if not addressed.

Culture

In comedy, annoyance is often a source of humor, as characters find themselves in ridiculous situations that frustrate them.
Literary works often explore annoyance as a theme, showing how it can lead to conflict and character development.

Everyday Life

Common annoyances include loud noises, long lines, or people interrupting during conversations.
Digital distractions, like constant smartphone notifications, are a modern source of annoyance for many.

Translations

Translations of the word "annoyance" in other languages:

🇵🇹 irritação

🇮🇳 परेशानी

🇩🇪 Ärger

🇮🇩 gangguan

🇺🇦 дратівливість

🇵🇱 irytacja

🇯🇵 苛立ち

🇫🇷 agacement

🇪🇸 molestia

🇹🇷 rahatsızlık

🇰🇷 짜증

🇸🇦 إزعاج

🇨🇿 nepříjemnost

🇸🇰 nepríjemnosť

🇨🇳 烦恼

🇸🇮 nadloga

🇮🇸 pirringur

🇰🇿 мазасыздық

🇬🇪 შეწუხება

🇦🇿 narahatlıq

🇲🇽 molestia

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #10,447, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.

...
10444 zealous
10445 hop
10446 intangible
10447 annoyance
10448 ligament
10449 civilisation
10450 foundry
...