vexation

noun

vex·​a·​tion vek-ˈsā-shən 

1

: the quality or state of being vexed : irritation

2

: a cause of trouble : affliction

3

: the act of harassing or vexing : troubling

Synonyms

• aggravation
• annoyance
• bedevilment
• botheration
• bothering
• bugging
• disturbance
• harassment
• harrying
• importunity
• pestering
• teasing

Examples of vexation in a Sentence

the problems and vexations of everyday life

the repeated vexations guaranteed that she wouldn't get any work done

Recent Examples on the Web

The slowness of California’s vote-counting can be a perennial vexation for the rest of the country, particularly when the balance of power in the House is on the line. —Lisa Lerer, New York Times, 5 Dec. 2024

Maintained in this state of wild vexation by volleys of planetary radiation— what if a genie replaced your phone with the club of somebody’s tibia bone? —James Parker, The Atlantic, 4 Nov. 2024

Bernal has really stepped into his gray fox era, using his (extremely handsome) looks to lean into the vexation of his character’s age and past. —Nicole Froio, refinery29.com, 15 Oct. 2024

This vexation is not just the domain of bookworms and old China hands. —John Pomfret, Foreign Affairs, 15 Oct. 2013

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Kids Definition

vexation

noun

vex·​a·​tion vek-ˈsā-shən 

1

: the quality or state of being vexed : irritation

2

: the act of vexing : annoyance

3

: a cause of trouble or worry