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

Although the work was a critical favorite and a Pulitzer finalist, Eggers’s ironic tone struck some readers as overly precious—few books have inspired such devotion and exasperation in equal measure. — Tope Folarin, The Atlantic, 22 July 2026

At a certain point, the admiration for Paraguay’s underdog defiance and spoiling strategy gave way to exasperation. — Adam Crafton, New York Times, 5 July 2026

When even her attempts at enjoying life’s simpler pleasures — like some chicken parm and coconut cream pie at home with a glass of wine — go tragically awry, Patricia’s disappointment and exasperation are both hilarious and painfully palpable. — Josef Adalian, Vulture, 29 June 2026

The 20-second clip concluded with Lacob turning away from Dunleavy and throwing up his arms in apparent exasperation. — Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 24 June 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