AGGRAVATING

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

IPA (US):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does aggravating mean? 

• AGGRAVATING (adjective)
  The adjective AGGRAVATING has 1 sense:

1. making worse

  Familiarity information: AGGRAVATING used as an adjective is very rare.

 Dictionary entry details 

• AGGRAVATING (adjective)

Sense 1

Meaning:

Making worse

Synonyms:

aggravating; exacerbating; exasperating

Similar:

intensifying (increasing in strength or intensity)

 Context examples 

For example, tobacco smoke is an aggravating factor for asthma.

(Aggravating factor, NCI Dictionary)

“I suppose not,” returned my aunt, rather grudging the admission; “but it's very aggravating. However, she's Barkis now. That's some comfort. Barkis is uncommonly fond of you, Trot.”

(David Copperfield, by Charles Dickens)

Her tone and manner angered Amy, who began to put her boots on, saying, in her most aggravating way, "I shall go. Meg says I may, and if I pay for myself, Laurie hasn't anything to do with it."

(Little Women, by Louisa May Alcott)

How can you be so aggravating, said my mother, shedding more tears than before, as to talk in such an unjust manner!

(David Copperfield, by Charles Dickens)

It was an aggravating circumstance in the case that he had no idea of this, but conceived that he was making me amends in every new discovery: not to say, heaping obligations on my head.

(David Copperfield, by Charles Dickens)