irritation

noun

ir·​ri·​ta·​tion ˌir-ə-ˈtā-shən 

1

a

: the state of being irritated

b

: something that irritates

c

: the act of irritating

2

: a condition of irritability, soreness, roughness, or inflammation of a bodily part

Synonyms

• aggravation
• aggro [British]
• annoyance
• bother
• botheration
• exasperation
• frustration
• grief
• pip [chiefly British]
• vexation

Examples of irritation in a Sentence

Dad's general irritation at the incessant complaining coming from the back seat of the car.

Recent Examples on the Web

For example, ginger, which is well-studied, can cause side effects like stomach pain, heartburn, diarrhea, and mouth or throat irritation, especially when taken in large doses. —Johna Burdeos, Health, 10 Feb. 2025

The person’s main symptom was eye redness and irritation, similar to most bird flu cases associated with dairy cows. —Jonel Aleccia, Chicago Tribune, 10 Feb. 2025

Featuring a 10 percent azelaic acid complex and oat, aloe and licorice extracts, Rescue Serum is meant to address redness, irritation, blemishes and post-acne marks. —Noor Lobad, WWD, 7 Feb. 2025

The contaminant was identified as less than 500 pounds of sulfur dioxide, a gaseous air pollutant associated with respiratory issues and irritation to the eyes, nose and throat. —Chase Hunter, The Mercury News, 7 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1c

Kids Definition

irritation

noun

ir·​ri·​ta·​tion ˌir-ə-ˈtā-shən 

1

: the act of irritating : the state of being irritated

2

: irritant entry 2

Medical Definition

irritation

noun

ir·​ri·​ta·​tion ˌir-ə-ˈtā-shən 

1

a

: the act of irritating

b

: something that irritates

c

: the state of being irritated

2

: a condition of irritability, soreness, roughness, or inflammation of a bodily part