aggravation

[ ag-ruh-vey-shuhn ]

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!

Usage Note

See aggravate.

Other Words From

• over·aggra·vation noun
• preag·gra·vation noun
• super·aggra·vation noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of aggravation¹

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

Example Sentences

Such are the occasional aggravations and annoyances that bedevil the tony section of Los Angeles that Harris calls home.

From Los Angeles Times

You can commit to an overly ambitious project that may have caused conflict, struggle and aggravation, but in retrospect, will be fondly remembered as an epic creation that evoked happiness while overcoming adversity.

From Los Angeles Times

This time there were no setbacks or aggravations.

From Los Angeles Times

He did not elaborate, but the somewhat riddling lyrics — which he added last — suggest an aggravation toward governments that impose a “new religion,” splitting society into tribes and inflaming the conflict.

From Los Angeles Times

Mr. Cook said he texted in aggravation because the suspect was accused of abusing a child.

From New York Times

Related Words

• worsening