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

Other possible clues include dry mouth, difficulty concentrating, irritability, decreased libido and waking repeatedly to urinate. — Emily Cegielski, Flow Space, 10 Nov. 2026

The results on the index reveal that nearly 1 in 4 Ukrainians suffer from high levels of stress characterized by concentration problems, depression, irritability, distrust, physical weakness and other physical problems. — Gerard Toal, The Conversation, 27 Oct. 2026

When the effects of caffeine wear off, people can experience headaches, irritability and tiredness. — ABC News, 22 Oct. 2026

Heart attacks and strokes occur disproportionately following rejections, and rejected individuals often show symptoms that are typically associated with drug withdrawal, including anxiety, depression, crying, loss of appetite, and irritability. — George Loewenstein, Vogue, 28 Sep. 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)