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

SSRIs are linked to a condition called neonatal adaption syndrome, in which infants are born jittery, irritable and with abnormal muscle tone. —Andrew Novick, The Conversation, 31 July 2025

Frequently, kids who suppress emotions at school come home irritable in a low-key fashion at home. —Sherri Gordon, Parents, 29 July 2025

This can lead to symptoms like gas, bloating, constipation, diarrhea, irritable bowel and joint pain. —Amy McGorry, FOXNews.com, 17 July 2025

Not surprisingly, then, these films are usually littered with bums and losers — people who really should have moved on with their lives — possessing irritable personalities, cynical worldviews, or hilarious delusions of grandeur. —Tim Grierson, Vulture, 25 July 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