annoying
uh-NOY-ihng
Annoying (adj) means causing irritation; bothersome. Example: “That squeaky door hinge is really annoying.”
adj
1
Causing irritation; bothersome.
"Having flies in your bedroom when you're trying to sleep is really annoying."
"That squeaky door hinge is really annoying."
"It's annoying when people talk during a movie."
"My neighbour's habit of mowing the lawn at dawn is rather annoying."
How to use annoying
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishDescribes something that irritates or gets on your nerves.
Common pairings
annoying habit
annoying noise
find something annoying
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Word forms
- Plural
- annoyings
- Comparative
- more annoying
- Superlative
- most annoying
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
That squeaky door hinge is really _____.
Etymology
Formed from annoy plus the adjective-forming suffix -ing.
Synonyms
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irritating
bothersome
aggravating
exasperating
frustrating
tiresome
vexing
maddening
nettlesome
galling
pesky
pestering
Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for annoying
See all rhymes for annoying →Frequently asked questions
What does “annoying” mean?
The word “annoying” means causing irritation; bothersome. In plain terms, describes something that irritates or gets on your nerves.
How do you pronounce “annoying”?
“Annoying” is pronounced uh-NOY-ihng (/əˈnɔɪ.ɪŋ/ in IPA).
How do you use “annoying” in a sentence?
Here is “annoying” used in a sentence: “That squeaky door hinge is really annoying.”
What part of speech is “annoying”?
“Annoying” is an adjective.
Is “annoying” a common word?
“Annoying” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
What is the difference between annoying and irritating?
The two are very close and often interchangeable. 'Annoying' is the broader, everyday word for anything that bothers you. 'Irritating' can feel slightly stronger, suggesting a repeated or nagging bother that wears at your patience. In most sentences you can swap one for the other without changing the meaning much.
Is 'annoying' a negative word?
Yes. 'Annoying' is negative, describing something that causes irritation or mild frustration. It is not as strong as 'infuriating' or 'unbearable', but it clearly signals displeasure. People use it for minor bothers — a dripping tap, a repeated noise, or a persistent habit — rather than serious problems.
What is the opposite of annoying?
Opposites include 'pleasant', 'delightful', 'soothing', and 'agreeable'. Where something annoying grates on you and disturbs your calm, its opposite puts you at ease or brings enjoyment. For a person, you might contrast an annoying manner with a charming, easy-going, or likeable one.
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