irritability

noun

ir·​ri·​ta·​bil·​i·​ty ˌir-ə-tə-ˈbi-lə-tē 

plural irritabilities

1

: the quality or state of being irritable: such as

a

: quick excitability to annoyance, impatience, or anger : petulance

b

: abnormal or excessive excitability of an organ or part of the body

2

: the property of protoplasm and of living organisms that permits them to react to stimuli

Synonyms

• biliousness
• choler
• crankiness
• crossness
• crotchetiness
• grouchiness
• grumpiness
• huffiness
• irascibility
• irascibleness
• irritableness
• peevishness
• perverseness
• perversity
• pettishness
• petulance
• testiness
• waspishness

Examples of irritability in a Sentence

the librarian's well-known irritability makes students hesitant to ask questions

Recent Examples on the Web

Be aware that non-methylated B vitamins have the potential to cause these same side effects — which include anxiety, agitation, irritability, headaches, nausea, neuropathy, insomnia, and achiness. —Allison Futterman, Discover Magazine, 7 Jan. 2025

Symptoms may include nightmares and flashbacks to the event, trouble sleeping and feelings of isolation, irritability and guilt. —George Monastiriakos, Newsweek, 30 Dec. 2024

Common symptoms include difficulty focusing, lack of energy, irritability, and a general sense of apathy toward your work. —Benjamin Laker, Forbes, 16 Dec. 2024

That can include irritability, nausea, dizziness, vomiting, nightmares, headache, and suicide ideations. —Korin Miller, Health, 11 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1755, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Kids Definition

irritability

noun

ir·​ri·​ta·​bil·​i·​ty ˌir-ət-ə-ˈbil-ət-ē 

plural irritabilities

1

: the quality or state of being irritable

especially : readiness to become annoyed or angry

2

: the property of living tissue and living things that permits them to react to stimuli

Medical Definition

irritability

noun

ir·​ri·​ta·​bil·​i·​ty ˌir-ət-ə-ˈbil-ət-ē 

plural irritabilities

1

: the property of protoplasm and of living organisms that permits them to react to stimuli

2

a

: quick excitability to annoyance, impatience, or anger

b

: abnormal or excessive excitability of an organ or part of the body (as the stomach or bladder)