Search Dictionary
Definition of aggravating

aggravating

/ˈæɡ.ɹə.veɪ.tɪŋ/
ag · gra · vat · ing
Adverb:aggravatingly
JUMP TO:

aggravating Lexical Profile

aggravating Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Causing annoyance, impatience, or mild anger; exasperating.

Example

"Dealing with constant software glitches during the presentation was an aggravating experience."

2

Making a problem, injury, or criminal offense worse or more serious.

Example

"The judge considered the defendant's lack of remorse as an aggravating factor during sentencing."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for aggravating
Antonyms
View all antonyms for aggravating

Word Nuance & Usage

In strict formal and legal usage, 'aggravating' means making a problem or offense worse (as in 'aggravating circumstances'), whereas in everyday speech and writing it is widely used to mean annoying or exasperating.

• Nearby Words

ageratum
aggravate
aggravated
aggravating
aggravatingly
aggravation
aggregate

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed as the present participial adjective of 'aggravate', which comes from the Latin 'aggravatus', past participle of 'aggravare' ('to make heavier or more burdensome'), from 'ad-' ('to') and 'gravis' ('heavy').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Aggravating. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/aggravating
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.