Irritating
ˈɪrɪteɪtɪŋ
Definitions
Causing annoyance, impatience, or mild anger.
ˈɪrɪteɪtɪŋ
The scratchy wool sweater was quite irritating.
💡 Simply: Imagine your friend is humming the same song over and over again. If it's bugging you, it's irritating!
👶 For kids: When something makes you a little bit mad or annoyed, it's irritating!
More Examples
His habit of interrupting was becoming irritating.
The long wait in the crowded line was irritating.
The bright sunlight was irritating my eyes.
How It's Used
"The constant dripping of the faucet was incredibly irritating."
"Irritating behavior can often stem from underlying anxiety."
"The medication has an irritating side effect, causing a rash."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
rub salt in the wound
To make a bad situation even worse by doing something that causes more pain or makes someone feel more upset.
"Telling her about the promotion was like rubbing salt in the wound after she was fired."
get on someone's nerves
To irritate or annoy someone.
"Her constant complaints really get on my nerves."
From Latin *irritare* 'to provoke, excite, or stimulate'. The word has evolved to encompass annoyance and discomfort.
The word has been used since the 17th century, with the meaning of causing annoyance or resentment.
Memory tip
Think of someone who can't stop poking you – they are irritating!
Word Origin
"to provoke, excite, or stimulate"