irritating

causing irritation or annoyance

• “tapping an annoying rhythm on his glass with his fork”
• “aircraft noise is particularly bothersome near the airport”
• “found it galling to have to ask permission”
• “an irritating delay”
• “nettlesome paperwork”
• “a pesky mosquito”
• “swarms of pestering gnats”
• “a plaguey newfangled safety catch”
• “a teasing and persistent thought annoyed him”
• “a vexatious child”
• “it is vexing to have to admit you are wrong”

(used of physical stimuli) serving to stimulate or excite

• “an irritative agent”

causing physical discomfort

• “bites of black flies are more than irritating; they can be very painful”