What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
pestering
Example
Stop pester me for the answer, I'll tell you when I'm ready. [pester: verb]
Example
The constant pester of the flies made it hard to concentrate. [pestering: gerund or present participle]
irritating
Example
The sound of the dripping faucet was very irritating. [irritating: adjective]
Example
Her constant tapping on the desk was really irritating me. [irritating: gerund or present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Irritating is more commonly used than pestering in everyday language. Irritating is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while pestering is less common and refers to a more specific type of behavior.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between pestering and irritating?
Both pestering and irritating are informal words and are not typically used in formal contexts.
