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 of irritability

• irritableness
• aggression
• aggressiveness
• anger
• crankiness
• sensitivity
• peevishness
• grouchiness
• crossness
• petulance
• hostility
• irascibility
• indignation
• grumpiness
• testiness

Examples of irritability in a Sentence

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

Recent Examples on the Web

Women in their 30s and 40s experiencing persistent fatigue, mood changes, sleep disruption, irritability, anxiety or digestive issues may want to ask specifically whether perimenopause could be the underlying cause before accepting a diagnosis of anxiety, depression or a thyroid condition. —Allison Palmer updated June 13, Charlotte Observer, 13 June 2026

Sudden cuts tend to backfire, leaving you with the very symptoms fatigue, headaches, irritability that probably sent you reaching for caffeine in the first place. —Samantha Agate, Kansas City Star, 12 June 2026

Long periods in extreme heat can impair concentration, increase irritability and reduce patience, creating challenges in crowded venues where tensions may already be elevated. —John Samuels, Forbes.com, 12 June 2026

In addition, two-thirds of users report other symptoms such as anxiety, depressed mood, restlessness, irritability, decreased appetite or a combination of these symptoms that often persist for weeks after stopping use. —Joanna Fong-Isariyawongse, The Conversation, 11 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1755, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Rhymes for irritability

• acceptability
• accessibility
• adaptability
• admissibility
• advisability
• affordability
• allowability
• amenability
• amiability
• appealability
• applicability
• availability

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)