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

Explanation

An aggravation is something that makes a situation or condition worse. Getting hot and sweaty might result in an aggravation of your poison ivy rash. An aggravation of symptoms in a hospital patient is a bad sign — things are becoming more serious. Another, less formal way to use the noun aggravation is to mean something that annoys or bothers you. You might say, "Having to take the bus is such an aggravation — I'd much rather drive my car." The Latin root of aggravation is aggravare, "make heavier," or "increase in oppressiveness."

Example Sentences

The stop-start feature helps lower emissions—and raises Americans’ aggravation.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 6, 2026

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

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 15, 2026

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

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 4, 2026

The charges had been said to have had a connection with serious organised crime, but this aggravation was deleted by prosecutors at the end of the evidence.

From BBC • Jul. 1, 2025

James glanced in disbelief and aggravation at Laurent and exchanged another brief look with Victoria, whose eyes still flickered edgily from face to face.

From "Twilight" by Stephenie Meyer

Related Words

• irritation