aggravation

American  

[ag-ruh-vey-shuhn] / ˌæg rəˈveɪ ʃən /

noun

1. an increase in intensity, seriousness, or severity; act of making worse.

   an aggravation of pain.

2. the state of being aggravated. aggravated.

3. something that causes an increase in intensity, degree, or severity.

4. annoyance; exasperation.

   Johnny causes me so much aggravation!

5. a source or cause of annoyance or exasperation.

   Johnny's such an aggravation to her!

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Usage

See aggravate.

Other Word Forms

• overaggravation noun
• preaggravation noun
• superaggravation noun

Etymology

Origin of aggravation

1475–85; < Medieval Latin aggravātiōn- (stem of aggravātiō ); aggravate, -ion

Example Sentences

It’s not the hassles and aggravation that most people put up with.

From Los Angeles Times

While I don’t suspect “The Bride!” will be met with this same revisionist praise later in its life, there is something remarkable about the dual “aggravation” of expectations that Gyllenhaal and Shelley’s works share.

From Salon

That agreement expired last week, opening the door for further aggravation from the two investors.

From The Wall Street Journal

I wouldn’t have gone through all the aggravation of making this movie if they weren’t the greatest onion ring in the world.

From Salon

Monitoring, litigating, and tax administration are king-size aggravations that nobody talks about because at the plan-sponsor level it’s called job security.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• irritation