Irritability

//ˌɪɹɪtəˈbɪlɪti// noun

noun ·Uncommon ·Advanced level

Definitions

Noun
  1. 1
    The state or quality of being irritable; quick excitability. countable, uncountable

    "irritability of temper"

  2. 2
    a disposition to exhibit uncontrolled anger wordnet
  3. 3
    A natural susceptibility, characteristic of all living organisms, tissues, and cells, to the influence of certain stimuli, response being manifested in a variety of ways. countable, uncountable

    "We find a renitency in ourselves to ascribe life and irritability to the cold and motionless fibres of plants."

  4. 4
    excessive sensitivity of an organ or body part wordnet
  5. 5
    A condition of morbid excitability of an organ or part of the body; undue susceptibility to the influence of stimuli. countable, uncountable
Show 1 more definition
  1. 6
    an irritable petulant feeling wordnet

Synonyms

All synonyms
fretfulnesspetulanceallergyanaphylaxisangerasperity

Example

More examples

"Experts say coronavirus lockdowns anywhere in the world can trigger stress, irritability, fear and fatigue."

Etymology

From Latin irritabilitās, equivalent to irritable + -ity.

More for "irritability"

SynonymsSentencesPronunciationTranslate

Next best steps

Find stronger synonymsSee usage examplesCheck pronunciationBrowse writing guides

Data sourced from Wiktionary, WordNet, CMU, and other open linguistic databases. Updated March 2026.