irritating

Everyday

1. Irritating means annoying, making you feel cross or impatient. tree →
2. (body) Irritating means making a part of the body sore, itchy or red: an irritating rash, irritating smoke. tree →

In the lessons

In everyday life it describes a dripping tap, a buzzing fly or a sibling who keeps humming. In science and safety lessons chemicals labelled «irritant» can be irritating to skin and eyes. In stories it helps describe a character's mood. Phrases: «really irritating», «an irritating habit», «irritating to the skin».

Examples

• My brother has an irritating habit of clicking his pen. tree →
• The buzzing fly was so irritating. tree →
• Smoke is irritating to the eyes. tree →
• This wool jumper is irritating my neck. tree →
• It is irritating when the bus is late again. tree →
• Stop irritating the cat, or it will scratch you. tree →
• The advert has an irritating little song. tree →
• “You are a very irritating person,” said the Rocket, “and very ill-bred. tree →

Note

Compare «irritating» (causing annoyance) and «irritated» (feeling annoyed): «The noise is irritating; I am irritated». Same pattern as boring/bored, annoying/annoyed. Double «r».