annoy
verb (used with object)
to disturb or bother (a person) in a way that displeases, troubles, or slightly irritates.
was annoying
-
past progressiveof annoy.past progressive
Used to describe an ongoing action or continuous state that was happening at a specific time in the past.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
"It was annoying, and I thought 'I can't get it done now,'"
From BBC ● Apr. 7, 2026
Gauff said it was annoying that a private moment was caught on camera.
From Barron's ● Jan. 27, 2026
It was annoying, but he switched cards and moved on.
From New York Times ● Jun. 6, 2024
“Yada, yada, yada. It was annoying watching those two talk over each other — like a shouting match, screaming at each other,” said Democratic strategist Steve Maviglio.
From Los Angeles Times ● Dec. 2, 2023
It was annoying that he had hit upon an old identity and I shook my head, seeing him purse his lips and eye me sharply.
From "Invisible Man" by Ralph Ellison
