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.
Kooij says women with ADHD whose symptoms increase during this stage may describe losing control over mood, irritability, sleep and focus. — Emily Cegielski, Flow Space, 7 July 2026 Giving your body a chance to relax with floor time can interrupt stress and give the body a chance to recharge, which could reduce feelings of irritability or distress. — Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 6 July 2026 Intense exercise on a sizzling day can lead to extreme fatigue, impaired performance, headache, irritability, nausea, dizziness, cramping and dehydration, all symptoms of exertional heat illness. — ABC News, 3 July 2026 Symptoms include extreme fatigue, impaired performance, headache, irritability, nausea, dizziness, cramping and dehydration. — Dorany Pineda, Chicago Tribune, 30 June 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 12 Jul. 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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