Irritable: meaning, definitions and examples

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irritable

[ɪˈrɪtəbl ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

mood

Having or showing a tendency to be easily annoyed or made angry.

Synonyms

cranky, grumpy, peevish, testy, touchy.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
irritable	Used to describe someone who is easily annoyed or made angry, especially from minor problems or simple discomfort. This word is fairly neutral in tone. After a long day at work, she often becomes irritable when things don’t go smoothly at home
grumpy	Typically used to refer to someone who is in a bad mood or does not want to be bothered. It has a slight negative connotation but is often used affectionately. He was grumpy all morning because he had to wake up early
cranky	Commonly used in informal situations to describe someone, often a child, who is bad-tempered. It is a less serious and more playful term. The baby is cranky because he missed his nap; he just needs some rest
testy	Used to describe someone who gets angry or annoyed easily and quickly. It has a moderately negative connotation and is often used in more formal contexts. The meeting ended abruptly because the boss was feeling testy about the delays
peevish	A more formal term for someone who is easily irritated, often by trivial things. It has a slightly stronger negative connotation. Her peevish response to the minor inconvenience was surprising to everyone
touchy	Describes someone who is very sensitive and easily offended, especially about certain topics. It can also refer to being physically sensitive. Be careful when discussing politics with her; she's very touchy about her beliefs

Examples of usage

He was in an irritable mood all day.
The irritable customer complained about everything.
Her irritable behavior was starting to affect those around her.

^{Context #2 | Adjective}

physiology

Easily provoked to abnormal action or function.

Synonyms

reactive, responsive, sensitive.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
irritable	Used to describe someone who gets annoyed or angered easily, often in situations that might not bother others. She becomes irritable when she's hungry He was irritable after a sleepless night
sensitive	Describes someone who is easily affected by emotions or external factors, can be used positively or negatively. Also used to describe someone who is empathetic. She has very sensitive skin, so she has to choose her products carefully He is sensitive to criticism
reactive	Describes someone or something that responds to stimuli or changes in the environment, often quickly. Can be neutral or slightly negative if the reactions are not well thought out. He is very reactive to new information The stock market is reactive to political events
responsive	Used in a positive sense to describe someone who reacts quickly and positively to requests or changes. The customer service team was very responsive to my questions She is responsive to her students' needs

Examples of usage

The irritable bowel syndrome causes discomfort and pain.
His irritable cough was a symptom of the underlying illness.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word originates from the Latin 'irritabilis,' meaning 'to provoke or excite.'
It entered the English language in the late 14th century, showing how long humans have dealt with feelings of annoyance.
Related words include 'irritate,' which also stems from the same Latin root, emphasizing the connection between provocation and irritation.

Psychology

Irritability can be a common symptom of stress, anxiety, or depression, highlighting emotional struggles.
Studies show that lack of sleep can significantly increase irritability, emphasizing the importance of rest.
Certain personality types, such as those high in neuroticism, may be more prone to feeling irritable regularly.

Health

Irritability can also be linked to physical health conditions, like thyroid issues, which influence mood changes.
Hormonal changes, such as those during puberty or menstruation, can lead to increased irritability in some individuals.
Long-term irritability may be a sign of underlying conditions, like chronic fatigue syndrome or fibromyalgia.

Cultural References

In literature, characters that are easily irritated often serve as comic relief, illustrating human flaws humorously.
Movies and TV shows frequently depict irritable characters to evoke both empathy and humor from audiences.
Cultural sayings often highlight the common experience of irritability, such as 'a weary soul knows no patience.'

Everyday Situations

Common triggers for irritability include hunger, fatigue, and overwhelming environments, relatable to personal experiences.
People often use coping mechanisms, like taking breaks or practicing deep breathing, to manage feelings of irritability.
Family dynamics can be challenging; irritability can arise during stressful times, highlighting the importance of communication.

Translations

Translations of the word "irritable" in other languages:

🇵🇹 irritável

🇮🇳 चिड़चिड़ा

🇩🇪 reizbar

🇮🇩 mudah tersinggung

🇺🇦 дратівливий

🇵🇱 drażliwy

🇯🇵 怒りっぽい

🇫🇷 irritable

🇪🇸 irritable

🇹🇷 sinirli

🇰🇷 짜증나는

🇸🇦 سريع الغضب

🇨🇿 podrážděný

🇸🇰 podráždený

🇨🇳 易怒的

🇸🇮 razdražljiv

🇮🇸 pirraður

🇰🇿 ашуланшақ

🇬🇪 გაღიზიანებული

🇦🇿 qıcıqlanmış

🇲🇽 irritable

Word Frequency Rank

At position #14,399, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.

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14396 bolster
14397 obese
14398 weariness
14399 irritable
14400 shank
14401 additionally
14402 picketing
...