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

“Is football a game or a religion?” the sports broadcaster Howard Cosell once asked with exasperation.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

"There is a bubble of exasperation in the country," explained the commentator, Bruno Cautrès, offering a warning to Macron.

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DAMASCUS, Syria — Standing in the dilapidated ATM hall of his bank, Maher Elias huffed a sigh equal parts exasperation and exhaustion.

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"We will not withdraw from the Donbas. We cannot do that," the Ukrainian president said, with a hint of exasperation, as speculation over potential territorial concessions reached a height on Tuesday.

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They experience sadness and exasperation, but not rage.

Read more on Salon

Related Words

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