annoyance

noun

an·​noy·​ance ə-ˈnȯi-ən(t)s 

1

: the act of annoying someone or of being annoyed

2

: the state or feeling of being annoyed : vexation

She couldn't hide her annoyance.

3

: a source of vexation or irritation : nuisance

The delay was a minor annoyance.

Synonyms

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

Examples of annoyance in a Sentence

She expressed annoyance at the slow service.

they have an unlisted number in the hopes that it will reduce the constant annoyance by telemarketers

Recent Examples on the Web

Catastrophic events like the fires in Los Angeles have a way of turning these annoyances into disillusionment. —Jay Caspian Kang, The New Yorker, 16 Jan. 2025

Vent to a friend or family member to release annoyances brewing within instead of bringing tense moments to the office. —Lisa Stardust, People.com, 3 Jan. 2025

Trump, never one to be burdened by details, has been more than happy to look at the big-picture goals and leave the annoyances to underlings. —Philip Elliott, TIME, 12 Dec. 2024

Besides the immediate annoyance, perhaps your thoughts meander to the larger problem of food waste. —Marianne Krasny, Forbes, 3 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing annoyance

• in annoyance
• to one's annoyance

Kids Definition

annoyance

noun

an·​noy·​ance ə-ˈnȯi-ən(t)s 

1

a

: the act of annoying

b

: the feeling of being annoyed

2

: a source of annoyance : nuisance