Word
irritability
Phoneticsir·ri·tabil·i·ty
US/ˌɪɹɪtəˈbɪɫəti/
UK/ˌɪɹɪtəbˈɪlɪti/
Uncountable noun
Definition
n. a feeling of being easily annoyed or upset. You might feel this way when you are tired, hungry, or in pain.
n. a state of being easily annoyed or provoked to anger. Often associated with physiological states such as fatigue, hunger, or hormonal changes.
Examples
“She felt a lot of irritability after not sleeping well.”
“The doctor noted that the patient's irritability was likely a side effect of the new medication.”
“Chronic sleep deprivation can lead to a significant increase in irritability, making it difficult for individuals to maintain social composure or perform complex cognitive tasks.”
Examples
simple
“She felt a lot of irritability after not sleeping well.”
contextual
“The doctor noted that the patient's irritability was likely a side effect of the new medication.”
complex
“Chronic sleep deprivation can lead to a significant increase in irritability, making it difficult for individuals to maintain social composure or perform complex cognitive tasks.”
Real-World Examples
“In turn, this can cause poor sleep, irritability and decision fatigue, she says.” “They may have noticeable academic and attention challenges that reflect their anxiety, irritability or restlessness adjusting to reduced phone access.” Etymology
From Latin irritabilitās, equivalent to irritable + -ity.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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