What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
irksome
Example
The irksome task of cleaning the house on a weekend. [irksome: adjective]
Example
It's irksome to wait in line for hours. [irksome: adjective]
annoying
Example
The annoying sound of the alarm clock every morning. [annoying: adjective]
Example
It's so annoying when people talk loudly on their phones in public. [annoying: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Annoying is more commonly used than irksome in everyday language. Annoying is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while irksome is less common and refers to a specific type of negative experience.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between irksome and annoying?
Both irksome and annoying are informal words that can be used in casual conversations. However, annoying is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.