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 of exasperation

• headache
• frustration
• annoyance
• thorn
• nuisance
• worry

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

Lane uses his loud, outside voice to excellent effect, his shouts of exasperation and anger giving way to instant regret and recrimination. —Greg Evans, Deadline, 28 Apr. 2026

The mood at Citi Field is one of exasperation. —Will Sammon, New York Times, 27 Apr. 2026

Chase, meanwhile, gives Melissa a winning mix of exasperation and heart, making her emotional journey feel earned even amid the absurdity. —Dave Quinn, PEOPLE, 21 Apr. 2026

For years, many Hungarian journalists have, privately at least, expressed exasperation with the state controls on their work. —Alexander Smith, NBC news, 19 Apr. 2026

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