Annoying: meaning, definitions and examples

This word is used to describe something or someone that causes slight irritation or discomfort on a minor level, often due to repetitive behavior.

• The loud music coming from the next room is very annoying.
• His persistent questions can be quite annoying sometimes.

This word is used to describe a situation or person that causes consistent and substantial discomfort or annoyance, often with a sense of frustration.

• The itchy sweater I wore all day was very irritating.
• It's irritating when people interrupt you during a conversation.

Use this word for minor inconveniences or nuisances that disrupt someone's peace or comfort.

• The bothersome noise from the construction site made it hard to concentrate.
• A bothersome mosquito kept flying around my head.

This word is more formal and is often used in legal contexts or to describe something that causes prolonged annoyance or distress.

• Dealing with the vexatious legal disputes exhausted everyone involved.
• The company's vexatious policies frustrated many employees.

This word typically implies a more intense level of irritation and can suggest that the situation is becoming progressively worse.

• The continuous delays at the airport were extremely aggravating.
• It is aggravating when the internet connection keeps dropping.

Use when something or someone causes mild irritation or frustration over time.

• His constant humming is very annoying
• It’s annoying when my computer freezes

Use when something causes a strong feeling of irritation, usually more intense than 'annoying' and often leading to anger.

• Her constant interruptions really irritate me
• The smell of smoke can irritate people with asthma

Use when something causes a small, usually temporary inconvenience or irritation.

• The noise outside doesn’t really bother me
• I’m sorry to bother you, but could you help me with this?

Use when something intensifies an already existing problem or condition. Often used for physical symptoms or emotions.

• Scratching the rash only aggravated it
• His comments aggravated an already tense situation

Use in more formal or literary contexts to indicate causing distress or annoyance, often with a sense of confusion or complexity.

• The repeated delays vexed the passengers
• It vexes me that we still haven’t found a solution