adj Uncommon

aggravating

Aggravating (adj) means making a situation or problem worse. Example: “Poor drainage was an aggravating factor in the flooding.”

adj

Making a situation or problem worse.

"Poor drainage was an aggravating factor in the flooding."

"Lack of sleep is an aggravating cause of his headaches."

Annoying or irritating.

"It's aggravating when the bus is late every single day."

"His smug tone was deeply aggravating."

How to Use Aggravating

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishSomething that makes things worse, or that annoys you.

Common pairings

aggravating factor aggravating circumstances

more aggravating comparative, most aggravating superlative

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Can you complete this real example?

Poor drainage was an _____ factor in the flooding.

mating rating eating dating hating heating grating stating beating coating skating seating

What does “aggravating” mean?

The word “aggravating” means making a situation or problem worse. In plain terms, something that makes things worse, or that annoys you.

How do you use “aggravating” in a sentence?

Here is “aggravating” used in a sentence: “Poor drainage was an aggravating factor in the flooding.”

What part of speech is “aggravating”?

“Aggravating” is an adjective.

Is “aggravating” a common word?

“Aggravating” is an uncommon word in modern English.

How many meanings does “aggravating” have?

“Aggravating” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: making a situation or problem worse.