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

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.
Mary does nothing to hide her irritability with him, something Metcalf conveys to perfection. David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 13 Feb. 2026 The irritability may arise from low estrogen levels affecting brain chemicals regulating mood along with lack of sleep and anxiety. Jocelyn Solis-Moreira, Flow Space, 13 Feb. 2026 Psychiatric and emotional effects of OSA can also be associated with cognitive decline, and may include irritability, anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorder. Heidi Moawad, Verywell Health, 9 Feb. 2026 Researchers studied childhood concussions in patients aged 6 months to about 6 years and found that while most of the children recovered from their symptoms, such as dizziness, irritability, and headaches, within a few weeks, 28% continued to have symptoms a month after their injury. Jillian Pretzel, Parents, 6 Feb. 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Irritability.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/irritability. Accessed 18 Feb. 2026.

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

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