Irritation Meaning
/ˌɪɹ.ɪˈteɪ.ʃən/Definition, CEFR level C1, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
Listen pronunciation
Definition
nounThe act of irritating or annoying.
nounThe state of being irritated.
Sentence Examples
There was no irritation on his part.
Her mood graduated to irritation.
Mary smiled, but her voice had some irritation in it.
CEFR Practice Quiz
The scratchy wool sweater caused a red ____ on his neck that itched all day.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The lotion helped to reduce the ____ and redness caused by the minor sunburn she got on her arms.
Word Origin & History
Borrowed from Middle French irritation, from Latin irrītātiō, from irrītāre (“to excite”). By surface analysis, irritate + -ion.
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"It has already been established that the crew was competent and qualified for operation of AS66. With the exception of some overtones of irritation about the manner in which another aircraft, N799Y, affected the flight's progress into the Juneau area, the recorded cockpit conversation, in general, reflects a relaxed but businesslike atmosphere."
— 1972 October 13, National Transportation Safety Board, “2.1 Analysis”, in Aircraft Accident Report: Alaska Airlines, Inc., Boeing 727, N2969G, Near Juneau, Alaska, September 4, 1971, archived from the original on 31 Aug 2024, page 31:
"Last spring, the periodical cicadas emerged across eastern North America. Their vast numbers and short above-ground life spans inspired awe and irritation in humans—and made for good meals for birds and small mammals."
— 2012 March-April, Anna Lena Phillips, “Sneaky Silk Moths”, in American Scientist, volume 100, number 2, archived from the original on 19 Feb 2013, page 172:
"CNN spoke recently with several Conyers residents who said they still have blurry vision, shortness of breath, throat irritation or chronic headaches since the chemical plant fire."
— 2024 November 24, Chris Boyette, “Investigators release update on BioLab chemical plant fire probe”, in CNN, archived from the original on 30 Aug 2025:
"Hip pain is a common complaint in children and may indicate a very mild irritation in the hip joint or may be the symptom of a very severe abnormality"
— 1975, Richard I. Feinbloom, Children's Hospital Medical Center, Child Health Encyclopedia: The Complete Guide for Parents:
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CEFR Practice Quiz
The scratchy wool sweater caused a red ____ on his neck that itched all day.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The lotion helped to reduce the ____ and redness caused by the minor sunburn she got on her arms.