irritating
UK: ˈɪrɪteɪtɪŋ | US: ˈɪrɪteɪtɪŋ
adj. causing annoyance, impatience, or mild anger
v. (present participle of irritate) provoking discomfort or agitation
The root irritat derives from Latin irritare, meaning "to excite, provoke, or annoy." This verb evolved into Middle English as irritaten, retaining its core sense of agitation. The suffix -ing marks the present participle form, turning the action into an adjective describing something that provokes annoyance. The word’s logic reflects a direct link between physical/emotional provocation (irritare) and its ongoing effect (-ing).
The constant buzzing of the fly was irritating.
His habit of interrupting others is deeply irritating.
She found the loud construction noise irritating.
The scratchy fabric felt irritating against her skin.
His vague answers were irritating to the interviewer.