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exasperation

exasperation

15 5.7
A strong feeling of being very annoyed and impatient
  • noun
  • /ɪɡˌzæspəˈreɪʃən/
translation icon : exasperación
  • He sighed in exasperation when he realized he had forgotten his keys again.
  • frustration and exasperation
  • moment of exasperation

Examples

  • Her constant interruptions during the meeting filled him with exasperation.

  • "What's the matter now?" he asked with exasperation after taking one look at Wendy.

    Fiction book (1991)
  • "Surprised, he looked at her with exasperation as she walked into the room.

    Fiction book (1990)
  • Out of sheer exasperation, you finally say please, just tell me, please, I beg you, just tell me.

  • It's just your face is frozen with this look of exasperation.

  • But Lisa would not let her exasperation show to the salesman on the phone.

    Fiction book (1994)
  • "Only you," said Tina with mild exasperation, "would think of it like that."

    Fiction book (1991)
  • One day she finally shouted in exasperation, "Stay then, with your soldiers!" and latched the door.

    Fiction book (1994)
  • Dauble screwed her face into an expression between parental exasperation and deep concern.

    Fiction book (1993)
  • Interviews typically evoked expressions of exasperation over immigration and work laws.

    Academic text (2010)

Synonyms

anger
vsexasperation
957 1.0

A very strong feeling of being upset or annoyed

is a form of sharp irritation rather than outright hostility
frustration
vsexasperation
391 2.5

A feeling of anger or annoyance when you cannot get what you want

is a more immediate, forceful irritation not tied to failure
indignation
vsexasperation
39 5.5

Anger you feel when someone treats you unfairly

is a more general intense irritation not limited to injustice
dissatisfaction
vsexasperation
37 3.7

Feeling unhappy or not pleased with something

is a more emotional irritation than mere lack of satisfaction
displeasure
vsexasperation
28 3.9

A feeling of being annoyed or not happy about something

is a more agitated emotional reaction than simple disapproval
irritation
vsexasperation
27 3.6

A feeling of annoyance or anger

is a stronger, more intense form of that rising annoyance
annoyance
vsexasperation
26 2.8

The feeling you have when something bothers you

is a stronger, sharp irritation rather than a simple bother
ire
vsexasperation
  • Formal
22 7.9

Strong anger you feel when someone does something unfair

is a less fully furious irritation focused on annoyance and impatience
aggravation
vsexasperation
14 4.8

Feeling of annoyance caused by something irritating

is a stronger, more forceful feeling than recurring nuisance
vexation
vsexasperation
1 7.4

A feeling of annoyance, frustration or worry

is more purely intense irritation without the worried element
disgruntlement
vsexasperation
1 7.0

A feeling of being unhappy and annoyed about something

is a louder, more emotionally charged irritation than sulky unhappiness
indignance
vsexasperation
1 7.2

A strong feeling of anger when something seems unfair

is broader irritation that need not involve unfairness
botheration
vsexasperation
  • Archaic
9.5

A small feeling of annoyance about something

is a stronger, sharper feeling rather than mild trouble
infuriation
vsexasperation
7.9

A strong feeling of anger and impatience

is intense too but centers on sharp, irritated impatience
enragement
vsexasperation
7.9

A strong feeling of anger and impatience

is nearer to strong, focused irritation rather than full rage

Antonyms

192 2.2

A pleasant feeling when you achieve something or your needs are met

26 2.1

A feeling of being happy and satisfied with your life

How Annoyed

rage
393 3.4
anger
957 1.0
exasperation
15 5.7
annoyance
26 2.8
irritation
27 3.6

Surface Forms

exasperation singular
exasperations plural

Morphology

exasperation = exasperate (transparent) = exasperate + ion

Standard nominalization from the verb 'exasperate' using '-ion'; the meaning 'state of being exasperated' is directly derived from the verb.

Etymology

Exasperation comes from Latin parts ex- 'out' and asper 'rough', giving the image of being rubbed by something rough. So, exasperation is the strong feeling of irritation you get when something keeps annoying you.