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 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 Botulism is a disease of the neuromuscular junction that causes irritability, constipation, autonomic disturbances such as high blood pressure and fast heart rate, a weak cry, drooping eyelids, poor feeding, lethargy, weakness, and respiratory difficulties. Beth Mole, Ars Technica, 24 Jan. 2024 This has necessitated additional security, with cops remaining stationed outside to control the protest crowd, all of which feeds Kristine’s justifiable irritability. David Rooney, The Hollywood Reporter, 23 Jan. 2024 Iron deficiency can lead to slower development and physical symptoms like irritability and slow weight gain.6 Toddlers and young children: Between the ages of 1 and 3, your child needs 7 mg per day, and 10 mg per day between the ages of 4 and 8. Rachel Meltzer Warren, M.s., Parents, 13 Dec. 2023 Anything over that could have adverse effects such as anxiety, irritability, insomnia, high blood pressure, fatigue and an upset stomach. Georgia Day, Vogue, 5 Dec. 2023

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 19 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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