Annoyed: meaning, definitions and examples

Use 'annoyed' when someone is slightly bothered or irritated. The feeling is usually mild and temporary.

• She was annoyed by the constant noise from the construction site.
• He felt annoyed when his brother borrowed his car without asking.

Use 'irritated' when someone is slightly to moderately annoyed, often due to repeated minor annoyances. It is generally similar to being annoyed but can imply a more persistent issue.

• He was irritated by the mosquito bites all over his arms.
• She felt irritated by the constant hum of the air conditioner.

Use 'exasperated' when someone is extremely annoyed or frustrated, typically because something or someone has tested their patience for a long time.

• He was exasperated by his coworker's repeated mistakes.
• I felt exasperated trying to fix my computer all afternoon.

Use 'frustrated' when someone is feeling annoyed and upset because they cannot achieve or complete something. This often comes with a sense of helplessness.

• She felt frustrated after failing the exam for the third time.
• He was frustrated because his project kept getting delayed.

Use 'agitated' in situations where someone is upset, anxious, or nervous, often visibly so. The feeling is usually stronger and more intense than being annoyed.

• The speaker grew agitated when the audience kept interrupting.
• She felt agitated after hearing the bad news.

This word is suitable when expressing a mild to moderate level of displeasure or irritation, often temporary and less intense.

• She was annoyed by the constant noise from the construction site.
• He felt annoyed when his coworker interrupted his work.

This term indicates a stronger and more persistent annoyance. It is often used in contexts where something causes continuous discomfort or disturbance.

• His habit of tapping his fingers on the desk really irritates me.
• These mosquito bites are so irritating.

This word is appropriate for minor irritations or inconveniences. It is generally used in less formal settings and can also describe interruptions or nuisances.

• Can you stop bothering me while I'm trying to study?
• It really bothers her when people don't say thank you.

Use this term when referring to making a situation or feeling worse or more severe. It often implies an existing issue that is being intensified.

• Trying to talk to him while he's busy will only aggravate his stress.
• The constant complaints aggravated her frustration.

Vex is typically used in more formal or literary contexts and implies a deeper or more sustained level of annoyance or frustration.

• The endless delays in the project vexed everyone involved.
• She was vexed by his insistence on arguing every point.