exasperation

[ ig-zas-puh-rey-shuhn ]

noun

1. an act or instance of exasperating; provocation.
2. the state of being exasperated; irritation; extreme annoyance:

   Her exasperation at being interrupted was understandable.

Word History and Origins

Origin of exasperation¹

First recorded in 1540–50; from Latin exasperātiōn-, stem of exasperātiō “roughness, bitterness”; equivalent to exasperate + -ion

Example Sentences

Some trustees have expressed exasperation at state expectations to increase California enrollment and help students graduate to help fill projected workforce shortages while reducing funding to do the work.

From Los Angeles Times

“I’ve told you a million times, I’m not Cuban,” he says with mock exasperation.

From Los Angeles Times

“What an idiot… Do you just want to stand there and get caught by the police?” the smuggler asked, with rising exasperation.

From BBC

And after years of calling for change, there’s a growing sense of exasperation among those on the front lines.

From Los Angeles Times

It is a sign of the exasperation and anger inside the Biden administration that Israel has not kept its promises to keep aid flowing into Gaza.

From BBC

Related Words

• anger
• annoyance
• displeasure
• fury
• ire
• irritation
• pique
• rage
• resentment