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

Foulkes leveraged public exasperation over the cost and pace of the bridge project for her argument that McKee’s administration isn’t working for most Rhode Islanders. — Kimberlee Kruesi, Fortune, 10 Sep. 2026

By the 11th game of the third set, Keys was hitting herself in the head with her racket, taking her cap off and sighing deep breaths that were either meant to steady her or out of exasperation. — Ava Wallace, New York Times, 5 Sep. 2026

That in turn has prompted exasperation from some officials and Pacific-watchers at the prospect of another summit overshadowed by rivalry between non-member countries. — ABC News, 30 Aug. 2026

Zilisch’s exasperation reached a boiling point last week at New Hampshire Motor Speedway. — Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 Aug. 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