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

The recall affects 15mL bottles of Clear Eyes' Maximum Itchy Eye Relief, which mitigates itchiness, redness and other eye irritations, according to the product description. — Mary Cunningham, CBS News, 20 Aug. 2026

Mangia said that healthcare providers saw residents with mostly respiratory issues but that many of the residents were also exhibiting rashes and skin irritations. — Los Angeles Times, 20 Aug. 2026

Hair loss and skin irritation during her time managing social at Huda Beauty in Dubai turned out to be caused by water quality, not product routine, an insight that would take years to translate into a viable brand. — Ritu Upadhyay, Footwear News, 19 Aug. 2026

For those prone to irritation, this separates the two ingredients while still providing benefits from both. — Kelsey Stewart, Allure, 18 Aug. 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