What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
frustrating
Example
It's frustrating when you can't find your keys even though you've searched everywhere. [frustrating: adjective]
Example
She felt frustrated after studying for hours and still failing the test. [frustrated: past participle]
annoying
Example
The sound of the dog barking next door is so annoying. [annoying: adjective]
Example
He finds it annoying when people talk loudly on their phones in public. [annoying: present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Annoying is more commonly used than frustrating in everyday language. Annoying is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while frustrating is less common and often used in more formal contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between frustrating and annoying?
Frustrating is typically associated with a more formal tone, while annoying is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.