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

Her exasperation came to a head in February of this year at the HSBC Women’s World Championship, where Lindblad finished at 24-over par, including a third-round 82, her highest round since joining the LPGA Tour. —Bob Buttitta, Daily News, 15 Apr. 2026

In the absence of this statewide statute of limitations and without clear guidance around post-retirement laws, those representing local governments expressed exasperation at the prospect of fighting similar expensive legal battles with CalPERS in the future. —William Melhado, Sacbee.com, 14 Apr. 2026

Lane uses his loud, outside voice to excellent effect, his shouts of exasperation and anger giving way to instant regret and recrimination. —Greg Evans, Deadline, 9 Apr. 2026

The actor's face is hilariously expressive, his range of anger and outrage is massive and his exasperation with his TV sons knows no bounds. —Kelly Lawler, USA Today, 9 Apr. 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