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

The tweet ended with an emoji of a man facepalming, conveying Johnson’s exasperation over the last play of Washington’s 27-27 tie with the New York Giants. — Steve Henson, Los Angeles Times, 12 Oct. 2026

But through a bit of TV fame, and Ramsay’s signature yelling, ranting, exasperation and, in the end, brotherly wisdom, perhaps its restaurant dreams can come true. — Eric Adler, Kansas City Star, 1 Oct. 2026

In a room full of fascists and fools, Ahmed’s projection of competence—and of the spluttering exasperation that is the lot of the competent—proves a genuine balm. — Justin Chang, New Yorker, 30 Sep. 2026

Still, the suggestion that fashion removes sheep wool from its supply chain drew a breath of exasperation from some fashion insiders, and confusion from others. — Bella Webb, Vogue, 16 Sep. 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