irritation

noun

ir·​ri·​ta·​tion ˌir-ə-ˈtā-shən 

1

a

: the state of being irritated

b

: something that irritates

c

: the act of irritating

2

: a condition of irritability, soreness, roughness, or inflammation of a bodily part

Synonyms of irritation

• frustration
• exasperation
• annoyance
• displeasure
• grief

Examples of irritation in a Sentence

Dad's general irritation at the incessant complaining coming from the back seat of the car.

Recent Examples on the Web

Joint inflammation due to a bunion can cause skin irritation or foot pain when wearing the wrong shoes. —Jasmine Gomez, Travel + Leisure, 27 Apr. 2026

The milky, gentle formula lifts away impurities without irritation, leaving hair feeling more conditioned than with a typical scalp shampoo. —Iman Balagam, Vogue, 27 Apr. 2026

For women in their 50s who have never used a retinoid — or who tried one years ago and gave up after irritation — a slow introduction is key. —Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Kansas City Star, 27 Apr. 2026

Inside the formula, castor oil, soybean oil, and panthenol leave hair smooth and shiny, while calming chamomile and calendula extracts keep your scalp irritation-free. —Sarah Felbin, Allure, 26 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1c

Rhymes for irritation

• abdication
• aberration
• abjuration
• abnegation
• abrogation
• acceptation
• acclamation
• acclimation
• accusation
• activation
• actuation
• acylation

Kids Definition

irritation

noun

ir·​ri·​ta·​tion ˌir-ə-ˈtā-shən 

1

: the act of irritating : the state of being irritated

2

: irritant entry 2

Medical Definition

irritation

noun

ir·​ri·​ta·​tion ˌir-ə-ˈtā-shən 

1

a

: the act of irritating

b

: something that irritates

c

: the state of being irritated

2

: a condition of irritability, soreness, roughness, or inflammation of a bodily part