irritability

noun

ir·​ri·​ta·​bil·​i·​ty ˌir-ə-tə-ˈbi-lə-tē How to pronounce irritability (audio)
plural irritabilities
Synonyms of irritabilitynext
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

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Examples of irritability in a Sentence

the librarian's well-known irritability makes students hesitant to ask questions
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Psychological withdrawal symptoms can include anxiety and irritability, dependence and insomnia. — Don Sweeney, Sacbee.com, 4 Aug. 2026 This could, in turn, trigger feelings of restlessness and irritability, not to mention the lack of clarity brought on by the moon transiting this Water sign. — Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 2 Aug. 2026 Capsaicin, the natural chemical compound in chili peppers, can cause severe irritability in a feline's gastrointestinal system. — Pat Mueller, USA Today, 28 July 2026 Fatigue, low motivation, weight gain and irritability are being reclaimed by primary care as signals of sleep debt, metabolic disease and untreated depression rather than default hormone problems. — Samantha Agate, Kansas City Star, 27 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for irritability

Word History

First Known Use

1755, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of irritability was in 1755

Rhymes for irritability

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Browse Nearby Words

irrisory
irritability
irritable
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Cite this Entry

“Irritability.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/irritability. Accessed 11 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

irritability

noun
ir·​ri·​ta·​bil·​i·​ty ˌir-ət-ə-ˈbil-ət-ē How to pronounce irritability (audio)
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 How to pronounce irritability (audio)
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)

More from Merriam-Webster on irritability

Nglish: Translation of irritability for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about irritability

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