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

Feelings of sadness, irritability and loneliness are all normal. —Wendy Grossman Kantor, Peoplemag, 15 May 2024

This could include memory loss, a change in mood, unexplained irritability, or difficulty performing routine tasks. —Jess Sims, Health, 10 May 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)