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

The probes looked like an annoyance—probably the work of some kids. — Stephen Witt, New Yorker, 30 July 2026

If every capacity conversation gets treated as an annoyance, that's your answer about how the job will run from here. — Andy Molinsky, Forbes.com, 27 July 2026

These annoyances just barely prevent Hinge from dethroning our Editors' Choice winners for dating apps, Match and Tinder. — Jordan Minor, PC Magazine, 24 July 2026

The very short pulse (in time) was present across a very broad spectrum, including, to my annoyance, the AM broadcast spectrum. — Chris Lee, ArsTechnica, 22 July 2026

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