irritating

[ir-i-tey-ting]

adjective

1. causing irritation; annoying; provoking;

   irritating questions.

Other Word Forms

• irritatingly adverb
• nonirritating adjective
• unirritating adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of irritating¹

First recorded in 1700–10; irritat(e) + -ing ²

Example Sentences

Being opened up to criticism may be irritating given what he offers defensively.

From BBC

His messages were "not merely irritating or annoying, but rather oppressive and unacceptable, thereby crossing the threshold into harassment", Julia Faure Walker, for the prosecution, said on Thursday.

From BBC

One study suggested that by irritating the nose and lungs, they stimulate a sharp intake of breath and a short-term rush of oxygen to the brain.

From BBC

It also had a habit of irritating and, occasionally, enraging the president so much that he wanted it cancelled.

From Salon

“It has for sure been an irritating process, to see how poorly they treat the people who are trying to get access to their families in these places,” Alejandro Barranco said.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• annoying 
• bothersome 
• disturbing