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

Early signs include fatigue, weakness, and irritability. —Zia Sherrell, Health, 30 Nov. 2025

One study found that 3-10% of children and adults on the keto diet report irritability when starting the keto diet. —Brittany Lubeck, Verywell Health, 28 Nov. 2025

Because the consequences tend to creep in gradually — brain fog, irritability, dependence — users often miss when therapeutic use shifts into compulsion. —Leah Willingham, Fortune, 25 Nov. 2025

These seven items included questions on worrying, irritability, restlessness and feeling afraid or on edge. —Kaila Witkowski, The Conversation, 19 Nov. 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)