Irritableness: meaning, definitions and examples

Usually describes a general state of being prone to annoyance or irritation. Often used in medical or psychological contexts.

• Her irritableness made it difficult for her to enjoy social gatherings.
• Increased irritableness can be a symptom of sleep deprivation.

Commonly used in both everyday situations and scientific contexts to describe a temporary state of easily becoming annoyed or upset.

• She apologized for her irritability after a long day at work.
• High levels of irritability can be a sign of underlying health issues.

Suggests a tendency to take offense easily or be overly sensitive to criticism. Often has a slightly negative connotation.

• His touchiness about the topic made it difficult to discuss it openly.
• Her touchiness was well-known, so people tread carefully around certain subjects.

Relates to the ability to perceive or feel things intensely, both emotionally and physically. Can be positive or neutral depending on context.

• His sensitivity to criticism made him avoid feedback sessions.
• She has a high sensitivity to allergens, so we have to be careful with pets.

Formal and medical contexts when describing a tendency to become easily annoyed or angry.

• The patient has been experiencing high levels of irritableness since the medication was changed

General use, both formal and informal, to describe a state where a person is easily annoyed. It is common in medical, psychological, and everyday contexts.

• Her irritability has increased significantly due to the stress at work

Informal settings, often used to describe someone's bad mood or irritability, especially in a temporary and less serious manner.

• He's usually very friendly, but he gets a bit of crankiness when he's hungry

Informal or semi-formal contexts, often used to describe someone who is easily angered or annoyed, especially when they are feeling defensive or cautious.

• The testiness in his voice made it clear he didn't want to discuss the issue any further