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

• 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

Severe sunburns can also cause physical discomfort and psychological distress, including pain, irritability, embarrassment, and symptoms like fever and dehydration. —Lydia Patrick, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 July 2025

Mood changes like sadness, anxiety, or irritability arise. —Sarah Jividen, Verywell Health, 26 June 2025

Dehydration can worsen feelings of anxiety and irritability. —Melina Khan, USA Today, 26 June 2025

Common issues include sleep problems, appetite loss, irritability, and mood swings. —Sarah Jividen, Verywell Health, 26 June 2025

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)