persistent irritant
nounUK /pəˈsɪstənt ˈɪrɪtənt/
US /pərˈsɪstənt ˈɪrɪtənt/
Something that keeps bothering you and won't go away.
The mosquito bite was a persistent irritant that made it hard to sleep.
RELATED WORDS
OTHER MEANINGS
2. A substance that causes lasting inflammation or discomfort on the skin or in the body.
The chemical was a persistent irritant that required careful handling.
3. A person who repeatedly causes trouble or annoyance over time.
He was a persistent irritant at meetings, always interrupting others.
4. A recurring problem that is difficult to eliminate.
Traffic congestion remains a persistent irritant for city planners.