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

• biliousness
• choler
• crankiness
• crossness
• crotchetiness
• grouchiness
• grumpiness
• huffiness
• irascibility
• irascibleness
• irritableness
• peevishness
• perverseness
• perversity
• pettishness
• petulance
• testiness
• waspishness

Examples of irritability in a Sentence

the librarian's well-known irritability makes students hesitant to ask questions

Recent Examples on the Web

That’s not to say Ramadan is free from challenges — many experience irritability. —Julie Cobalt, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Feb. 2025

Chronic fatigue, irritability, or loss of motivation are all symptoms of burnout. —Nicole Lipkin, Forbes, 25 Feb. 2025

Nutrients to provide the building blocks, and lower carbs to help stabilize your blood sugar and even out the roller coaster of spikes and drops that create so many cognition-impairing side effects, including lightheadedness, anxiety, fatigue, irritability and a decrease in focus. —Heather Sandison, Contributor, CNBC, 11 Feb. 2025

For example, yellow No. 5, also known as tartrazine, has been linked to irritability, restlessness and depression in some children. —Allison Aubrey, NPR, 18 Jan. 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)