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

Snag the Cetaphil Healthy Renew Anti-Aging Face Serum to get the benefits of retinol without the dryness and irritation. —Lauren Taylor, Southern Living, 12 Nov. 2025

After two hours in the tunnels, two firefighters reported irritation on their legs. —Jessica Mathews, Fortune, 12 Nov. 2025

Parsons’ irritation with the play stems from the Eagles leaving early and officials not penalizing them. —Matt Schneidman, New York Times, 10 Nov. 2025

Side effects of the initial treatment were minimal, mostly irritation at infusion sites, according to the study. —Sandee Lamotte, CNN Money, 8 Nov. 2025

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