exasperation

noun

ex·​as·​per·​a·​tion ig-ˌza-spə-ˈrā-shən 

1

: the state of being exasperated

2

: the act or an instance of exasperating someone

Synonyms

• aggravation
• aggro [British]
• annoyance
• bother
• botheration
• bugbear
• frustration
• hair shirt
• hassle
• headache
• inconvenience
• irk
• irritant
• nuisance
• peeve
• pest
• rub
• ruffle
• thorn
• trial
• vexation

Examples of exasperation in a Sentence

They had all experienced the exasperation and frustration of holiday shopping.

add people who use cell phones inconsiderately to the list of daily exasperations

Recent Examples on the Web

Acting in the public interest? Commission members reacted with exasperation after hearing key points from the reports. —Judith Kohler, Denver Post, 8 May 2025

Aaron Wan-Bissaka fell to the ground in shock, Lucas Paqueta shook his head in frustration, exasperation gripped Tomas Soucek and Maximilian Kilman, while Graham Potter stood motionless on the touchline. —Roshane Thomas, New York Times, 28 Apr. 2025

No surprises here, veteran comedic actor Grier is great at conveying Arthur’s increasing exasperation with the constant push-pull of what would be a very busy workweek even without having to dispose of his nephew’s body. —Sophie Brookover, Vulture, 11 Apr. 2025

For all that exasperation for MU fans, though, two things can be true. —Vahe Gregorian, Kansas City Star, 21 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1547, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for exasperation

• abbreviation
• abomination
• acceleration
• accentuation
• accommodation
• accreditation
• acculturation
• accumulation
• acetylation
• adjudication
• administration
• adulteration

Kids Definition

exasperation

noun

ex·​as·​per·​a·​tion ig-ˌzas-pə-ˈrā-shən 

1

: extreme annoyance : anger

2

: a source of annoyance