not again

/nɒt əˈɡeɪn/
phraseIntermediate
informal

Used to express frustration, disappointment, or resignation when something unwanted happens repeatedly

Not again! My internet is down for the third time this week.

The speaker is frustrated because their internet has been unreliable.

When the alarm went off at 3 AM, he groaned, 'Not again.'

He is annoyed because the alarm is waking him up unexpectedly.

💡

Often used in casual conversation to vent frustration about recurring problems.

Collocations

not againused to express frustration about repetition

Synonyms

Antonyms

Related Phrases

here we go againphrase
expressing frustration about a recurring situation

💡Pro Tip

Usage Context

Use 'not again' when something frustrating happens repeatedly, often in casual or emotional situations.

Gold Rule

Tone

This phrase conveys a negative tone, so use it only when expressing frustration or resignation.

📖Word Origin

Combination of 'not' (negation) and 'again' (repetition), forming a common phrase to express frustration.

📝Usage Notes

This phrase is informal and commonly used in spoken English to react to recurring negative situations.

Word Breakdown

not
negation
root
+
again
repetition
root
English Dictionary