Aggravation Definition & Meaning

Definition

Usage

Other Word Forms

Etymology

Examples

Related Words

Synonyms 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!

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

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.

Redick said it was an aggravation of a previous injury suffered last week.

From Los Angeles Times

“I think we have to assume,” Kennedy said, aggravation in his voice, “that this is their new and latest position.”

From Literature

To do that you have to put up with the aggravation, the late-night calls or the dumb questions.

From Los Angeles Times

"Is it worth the aggravation to find yourself a job when there's nothing worth working for?" snarled Liam.

From BBC

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

Related Words

• irritation

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.