irritability

noun

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

Examples of irritability in a Sentence

the librarian's well-known irritability makes students hesitant to ask questions
Recent Examples on the Web Long-term effects depend on the level of exposure and include memory problems, impaired speech, lowered IQ, fatigue, irritability, constipation, and vomiting, among others. Kayla Blanton, SELF, 7 Mar. 2024 Hormonal pills also have an impact on the body, and can include side effects like nausea, headaches, irritability, tenderness of the breasts, and spotting between periods, the Cleveland Clinic says. Irene Wright, Miami Herald, 4 Mar. 2024 The fatal condition can cause memory loss, irritability, disturbances in movement, seizures and blindness, and can develop six to eight years after a child has apparently recovered from measles. Liz Szabo, NBC News, 18 Feb. 2024 Mania is a period of extreme energy, inflated self-esteem, impulsiveness, racing thoughts, distractibility and intense happiness or irritability, according to David Miklowitz, a psychiatry professor at the University of California, Los Angeles. Katie Camero, USA TODAY, 19 Jan. 2024 Low-level blast exposure has been associated with symptoms that can include concentration and memory problems, irritability and slowed reaction times. Katherine Dillinger, CNN, 6 Mar. 2024 End of carousel Many women in their late 30s and 40s experience irritability, trouble sleeping and anxiety — but find their symptoms are often dismissed by doctors. Victoria Bisset, Washington Post, 22 Feb. 2024 The agency went on to list signs and symptoms of lead toxicity, including headache, vomiting, abdominal pain, anemia, fatigue, irritability, weight loss and tremor. Michael Lee Simpson, Peoplemag, 30 Oct. 2023 Being touch-starved can also lead to mood swings, feelings of irritability, sadness or depression. Mark Travers, Forbes, 18 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'irritability.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1755, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of irritability was in 1755

Dictionary Entries Near irritability

Cite this Entry

“Irritability.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/irritability. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

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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