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

Another sign are cognitive and behavioral changes, which may include confusion, memory problems, irritability, and mood swings. —Gina Kalsi, PEOPLE, 8 May 2026

The patches do more than simply lessen symptoms such as night sweats and irritability. —Laura Trujillo, USA Today, 6 May 2026

Symptoms of menopause include hot flashes, sleep issues, joint and muscle discomfort, night sweats, forgetfulness, moodiness, and irritability. —Laura Schober, Health, 23 Apr. 2026

These rapid blood sugar spikes and dips can drain you of your energy, leading to sluggishness, irritability, and increased hunger. —Kristen Gasnick, Verywell Health, 21 Apr. 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)