“Irk” means to annoy, irritate, or bother someone. It can also mean to make someone feel slightly angry or uncomfortable.
People use “irk” when something is not a huge problem, but it still gets on their nerves. For example, a loud noise, a bad habit, or a small rude action might irk someone.
Meaning & Usage
You can use “irk” in everyday English to describe something that bothers you. It is a little more formal than “annoy,” but still common in writing and speech.
Examples
“It irks me when people are late.”
“His constant complaining really irked her.”
“The noise from the street irks me while I’m working.”
Is “irk” a strong word?
No, it is usually a mild to medium word for annoyance. It means something bothers you, but not always in a very serious way.
Can “irk” be used in formal writing?
Yes. “Irk” works well in both everyday English and more formal writing.
What is a simple synonym for “irk”?
Simple synonyms include “annoy,” “bother,” and “irritate.”
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