B1adjective 2K

Annoying

UK /["/əˈnɔɪɪŋ/"]/ US /["/əˈnɔɪɪŋ/"]/ Pronunciation

Definition

making somebody feel slightly angry

Listen to definition

In simple words: Causing someone to feel bothered or irritated.

Examples

• This interruption is very annoying.
• Her most annoying habit was eating with her mouth open.
• It's incredibly annoying, but that's life.
• I find her very annoying.
• I found it really annoying not to be able to communicate.
• Please stop making that noise—it's getting annoying.
• The background hum of the fan may be annoying to some users.
• The proposal will probably prove annoying to opposition MPs.
• The annoying thing was that I only had myself to blame.

Usage notes

Used to describe something that is bothersome. It is appropriate in most contexts but may be considered informal when discussing serious topics.

Grammar pattern

annoying + object

Memory hint

Think of a mosquito buzzing around your ear – it’s very annoying!

Collocations

• be
• prove
• become
• extremely
• fairly
• very
• to

Synonyms

• irritating

Antonyms

• pleasant
• enjoyable
• agreeable

Common mistakes

• Confused with 'annoy' as a noun and verb.
• Using 'annoying' with abstract concepts incorrectly.
• Overusing 'annoying' in formal writing.