aggravating

[ag-ruh-vey-ting]

adjective

1. causing or full of aggravation.

   I've had an aggravating day.

Other Word Forms

• aggravatingly adverb
• unaggravating adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of aggravating¹

First recorded in 1630–40; aggravat(e) + -ing ²

Example Sentences

Few likely blinked when a federal judge cited coercion and abuse as aggravating factors in Sean “Diddy” Combs’s sentencing to 50 months in prison.

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The bad news is you have reverted to whatever method of conflict resolution you learned growing up, but the good news is these problems, while aggravating and infuriating, are not uncommon.

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In May 2023, he and three other foster parents were found guilty of “intentional violence with aggravating circumstances.”

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"I hope when convictions are secured, it will be considered an aggravating factor that they were working for a hostile state and they'll get higher sentences," he added.

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"There are a number of significant aggravating features," the judge said during sentencing at the same court.

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Related Words

• alarming 
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• bothersome 
• creepy 
• depressing 
• disconcerting 
• discouraging www.thesaurus.com
• distressing www.thesaurus.com
• embarrassing www.thesaurus.com
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• irritating 
• ominous 
• painful 
• perplexing 
• sinister 
• startling 
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• troublesome 
• troubling www.thesaurus.com
• unpleasant