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 of annoyance

• harassment
• disturbance
• bothering

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

Congress used to debate authorizing such things, but with the GOP House and Senate now reduced to glorified White House staff offices, Trump need not trifle with such annoyances. —Tom Nichols, The Atlantic, 2 Jan. 2026

At the time, liberalism’s leading intellectuals laughed off public annoyance at Obama’s lackluster performance, declaring that to expect big things from him was to believe—childishly, contemptibly—that the president was a kind of superhero. —Rosa Lyster, Harpers Magazine, 30 Dec. 2025

Respectfully, your annoyance is not your neighbors’ responsibility. —R. Eric Thomas, Denver Post, 24 Dec. 2025

Democrats who represent constituencies in the DMV are expressing frustration and annoyance over the president’s move. —Dominick Mastrangelo, The Hill, 22 Dec. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing annoyance

• in annoyance
• to one's annoyance

Rhymes for annoyance

• clairvoyance

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