EXASPERATING

Pronunciation (US):

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IPA (US):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does exasperating mean? 

• EXASPERATING (adjective)
  The adjective EXASPERATING has 2 senses:

1. extremely annoying or displeasing

2. making worse

  Familiarity information: EXASPERATING used as an adjective is rare.

 Dictionary entry details 

• EXASPERATING (adjective)

Sense 1

Meaning:

Extremely annoying or displeasing

Synonyms:

exasperating; infuriating; maddening; vexing

Context example:

the ceaseless tumult of the jukebox was maddening

Similar:

displeasing (causing displeasure or lacking pleasing qualities)

Sense 2

Meaning:

Making worse

Synonyms:

aggravating; exacerbating; exasperating

Similar:

intensifying (increasing in strength or intensity)

 Context examples 

Amy spoke bitterly, and turned her back on the exasperating martyr at her feet.

(Little Women, by Louisa May Alcott)

On Monday morning the weather was in that undecided state which is more exasperating than a steady pour.

(Little Women, by Louisa May Alcott)

Amy was much offended that her overtures of peace had been repulsed, and began to wish she had not humbled herself, to feel more injured than ever, and to plume herself on her superior virtue in a way which was particularly exasperating.

(Little Women, by Louisa May Alcott)