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

Turn on air conditioning to keep your home cool, and wear loose-fitting, breathable clothing made of fabrics like cotton to prevent irritation and overheating. —Zia Sherrell, Health, 7 Mar. 2026

Besides, the typical symptoms of a semen allergy—vaginal burning, itching, irritation—can be caused by a range of factors (a UTI, yeast infection, or bacterial vaginosis, to name a few), so those are hardly reliable indicators, either. —Caroline Tien, SELF, 6 Mar. 2026

The risk includes everything from vein irritation to infection, to toxicity from fluid overload to complications from a lack of medical history screening. —Cindy Krischer Goodman, Sun Sentinel, 5 Mar. 2026

How do eye mites cause itching and irritation? —Annie Blay-Tettey, Allure, 5 Mar. 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