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

This funky little beach town checks all the boxes for a great seaside destination, with none of the annoyances— like huge crowds and towering high rises—of more popular spots. —Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 27 Feb. 2026

There were 438 mosquito annoyance calls to the MMCD in 2025, less than a quarter of the total in 2024. —Anthony Bettin, CBS News, 27 Feb. 2026

On the internet, that critique is often reduced to the idea that men are problematic—see manspreading, a concept that introduced a feminist interpretation of a previously gender-neutral annoyance by connecting it to men. —Dan Brooks, The Atlantic, 26 Feb. 2026

While admitting to being reserved and shy, there was no trace of annoyance or desire to speed things up. —Luisa Zargani, Footwear News, 25 Feb. 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