aggravation
an increase in intensity, seriousness, or severity; act of making worse: an aggravation of pain.
the state of being aggravated.
something that causes an increase in intensity, degree, or severity.
annoyance; exasperation: Johnny causes me so much aggravation!
a source or cause of annoyance or exasperation: Johnny's such an aggravation to her!
Origin of aggravation
1usage note For aggravation
Other words from aggravation
- o·ver·ag·gra·va·tion, noun
- pre·ag·gra·va·tion, noun
- su·per·ag·gra·va·tion, noun
Words that may be confused with aggravation
- aggravation , annoyance, intensification, irritation, worsening
Words Nearby aggravation
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
How to use aggravation in a sentence
His Game 4 injury had tilted this first-round series in Phoenix’s direction, and its aggravation ended the Lakers’ title defense.
Lakers’ title defense crumbles with Anthony Davis sidelined as Suns eliminate reigning champs | Ben Golliver | June 4, 2021 | Washington PostTo do that, you have to put up with the aggravation, the late-night calls, the dumb questions.
Michael Jordan to present Kobe Bryant at posthumous Hall of Fame induction | Ben Golliver | April 15, 2021 | Washington PostThe limiting of crowds in a pandemic has allowed breezy rides toward stadiums and maybe even sighing at the lack of normal aggravation.
Super Bowl highlights: Bucs celebrate championship, Tom Brady wins MVP | Des Bieler, Mark Maske, Chuck Culpepper | February 8, 2021 | Washington PostIf you ignore this rule, you might one day find yourself the victim of a scam operation, with months of aggravation ahead as you try to straighten out your life and finances.
The tariffs are the latest aggravation in rapidly deteriorating relations between Australia and its largest trading partner, China.
China slaps 200% anti-dumping tariffs on Australian wine as relations continue to sour | eamonbarrett | November 27, 2020 | Fortune
I could save myself a lot of time and aggravation if I just limited my listening to megastars and their hyped hits.
Some later claimed that a cop shook a can of mace, an uncalled for act of aggravation, one man said.
Ferguson Protesters Harass Black Police, Call for Darren Wilson’s Death | Justin Glawe | November 21, 2014 | THE DAILY BEASTDoes old-fashioned aggravation—emotional wear and tear, agita, tsuris, call it what you will—really take years off your life?
Can Being With Your Family on Thanksgiving Actually Kill You? | Kent Sepkowitz | November 29, 2013 | THE DAILY BEASTWe have worked too hard to give it up now or debt and aggravation.
Why I Choose to Be Child-Free: Readers Share Their Stories | Harry Siegel | February 27, 2013 | THE DAILY BEASTSometimes it comes in literal sobriety, sometimes in derisive travesti, sometimes in tragic aggravation.
Checkmate | Joseph Sheridan Le FanuWe'll visit this third party and if we strike out we'd better leave town for a few days to avoid a lot of aggravation.
Another aggravation in her case was that she had an active temperament and strong mind.
Girls and Women | Harriet E. Paine (AKA E. Chester}Such was the state of his mind, when his ordinary maladies had the serious aggravation of a violent fit of the gout.
Camilla | Fanny BurneyAmong the mitigating circumstances I should be inclined to name even those which you bring in aggravation.
Leonora | Maria Edgeworth
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