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

Publicly, his expressions of exasperation are a common sight as his Rockets coworkers brick shots or both defensive rotations. —Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 5 Mar. 2026

The man gazed at Wilkes, whose expression went from exasperation to shock. —James Verini, New Yorker, 2 Mar. 2026

The film follows Su-hyun and Hyun-tae, a couple whose decade-long relationship swings between deep affection and mutual exasperation. —Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 23 Feb. 2026

Their exasperation with the officiating left the hosts chirping more at the officials than their rivals. —Benjamin Royer, Oc Register, 23 Feb. 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