irritable

adjective

ir·​ri·​ta·​ble ˈir-ə-tə-bəl 

: capable of being irritated: such as

a

: easily exasperated or excited

gets irritable when he tires

b

: responsive to stimuli

irritableness noun

irritably

ˈir-ə-tə-blē 

adverb

Synonyms

• fiery
• snappish
• irascible
• peevish
• grumpy
• grouchy
• petulant
• crabby
• cross
• cranky
• testy
• crotchety
• waspish
• pettish
• choleric
• short-tempered
• passionate
• snarky
• raspy
• snippy

Examples of irritable in a Sentence

My father is always irritable after a nap.

I came home from work feeling tired and irritable.

Recent Examples on the Web

Despite its self-destructive proclivities, the irritable giant has managed to make, and keep, a friend. —Robin George Andrews, New York Times, 22 July 2025

Determined to make a clean SPF, Brown says a chemical formula was out of the question (chemical sunscreens are often thought to be unsafe for the coral reef and irritable to sensitive skin types). —Kiana Murden, Vogue, 9 July 2025

In my own experience, poor sleep has frequently been the reason behind feeling tired and irritable. —Dr. Jamin Brahmbhatt, CNN Money, 8 July 2025

But a new wrench is thrown into the works in the form of an irritable downstairs neighbor. —Megan McCluskey, Time, 27 June 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1662, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing irritable

• irritable bowel syndrome

Kids Definition

irritable

adjective

ir·​ri·​ta·​ble ˈir-ət-ə-bəl 

: capable of being irritated

especially : easily irritated

gets irritable when he's tired

irritableness noun

irritably

-blē 

adverb

Medical Definition

irritable

adjective

ir·​ri·​ta·​ble ˈir-ət-ə-bəl 

: characterized by irritability: as

a

: easily exasperated or excited

b

: responsive to stimuli