What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
inflammation
Example
The inflammation in my knee made it difficult to walk. [inflammation: noun]
Example
The doctor prescribed medication to reduce the inflammation in my throat. [inflammation: noun]
irritation
Example
The mosquito bite caused an irritation on my arm. [irritation: noun]
Example
I felt a sense of irritation when my colleague interrupted me during the meeting. [irritation: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Inflammation is more commonly used in medical contexts, while irritation is more commonly used in everyday language to describe physical or emotional discomfort.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between inflammation and irritation?
Inflammation is a more formal term than irritation, which is more casual and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
