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

Long-term exposure can result in irritability, fatigue, muscle aches, difficulty concentrating, tremors and weight loss. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 29 Nov. 2024

Symptoms vary from headaches, insomnia, irritability, anxiety, and even depression. —Jason Walker, Forbes, 1 Nov. 2024

These symptoms include fatigue, tender breasts, bloating, irritability, and depression that occur in the days leading up to a period. —Anna Giorgi, Verywell Health, 27 Nov. 2024

According to the Cleveland Clinic, the possible side effects of Red 40 include: migraines, irritability, depression, hives, asthma, sneezing, watery eyes, skin irritation, allergic reaction, sneezing, and hyperactivity. —Anne Michaud, Hartford Courant, 4 Nov. 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)