Irritation: meaning, definitions and examples

Use this word when something mildly bothers or disturbs you, typically in a physical or emotional sense.

• The constant buzzing from the light was causing me irritation.
• He felt irritation at being asked the same question over and over.

Used for situations where something causes mild discomfort or displeasure. It's less intense than other words in the list.

• He sighed in annoyance when he realized he had forgotten his keys.
• The ringing phone was a constant source of annoyance.

Typically used in situations where something has been made worse or more serious. It often implies a worsening of an existing problem.

• Her back pain was an aggravation of an old injury.
• Traffic was already bad, but the road construction added to my aggravation.

Best used when expressing extreme frustration or irritation, often when patience is running out.

• She threw her hands up in exasperation after the computer crashed again.
• The long delays left the passengers in a state of exasperation.

Use it to describe a general state of being annoyed or a slight discomfort, often in the skin or eyes. It can refer to both emotional and physical states.

• Wearing that wool sweater always causes me some skin irritation.
• His constant humming is a source of irritation for everyone in the office.

Use it in a medical context to describe a physical condition where part of the body becomes swollen, often as a result of infection, injury, or an immune response.

• The doctor said the redness and swelling is due to inflammation.
• Arthritis causes painful inflammation in the joints.

Use it to describe a condition where an area of skin has turned red, often due to irritation, inflammation, or infection.

• Applying lotion helped reduce the redness on his face.
• Sunburn can cause significant redness and discomfort.

Use it specifically to describe the sensation of needing to scratch a part of your body. It is often related to allergies, insect bites, or skin conditions.

• Mosquito bites can cause intense itchiness.
• She couldn't concentrate on her work due to the itchiness from her rash.