irritability

[ ir-i-tuh-bil-i-tee ]

noun

, plural ir·ri·ta·bil·i·ties.

1. the quality or state of being irritable.
2. Physiology, Biology. the ability to be excited to a characteristic action or function by the application of some stimulus:

   Protoplasm displays irritability by responding to heat.

Other Words From

• nonir·ri·ta·bili·ty noun
• super·irri·ta·bili·ty noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of irritability¹

From the Latin word irrītābilitās, dating back to 1745–55. See irritable, -ity

Example Sentences

Common side effects for both vaccines included sore arms, crying, irritability, sleepiness and fever.

From Science News

Melatonin overdosing is another matter, however, leading to nausea, headaches, diarrhea, irritability, and joint pain.

From Time

To start, all participants rated the level of their menopause symptoms, from their irritability to how bad their hot flashes were.

From Time

One of the most consistent emotions noted in my patients’ pandemic diaries has been irritability.

From Washington Post

A behavioral response might mean regression in sleep or toileting patterns, clinginess or a general irritability.

From Washington Post

Her irritability became more pronounced and she was fired from her job with a periodontic practice in Hamden.

From The Daily Beast

But Carey may have been occasionally hampered by an irritability that is also common among those with hypomania.

From The Daily Beast

It revealed the irritability of a man accustomed to being in control who's watching his plans fall apart in public.

From The Daily Beast

Less outdoor and active play time as the weather gets colder leads to an increase in irritability or anxiety in all children.

From The Daily Beast

Signs included muscular aches and pains, headaches, inability to relax, and irritability.

From The Daily Beast

Gray lost much of his irritability and began to talk coherently upon topics of general interest.

From Project Gutenberg

She has always been a delicate woman, suffering from headaches, general irritability, and nervousness.

From Project Gutenberg

However, I stick to my intentions, and hammer pianoforte passages out of my brain: the result is nervous irritability.

From Project Gutenberg

Besides the irritability, impulsiveness is an equally characteristic feature.

From Project Gutenberg

In flatulent and spasmodic affections of the bowels, and in gastric irritability.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• irritation