Irritable

/ˈɪrɪtəbl/

Meaning & Definition

adjective

easily annoyed or angered.

After a long day at work, she became irritable and snapped at her coworkers.

characterized by a state of nervous excitement or restlessness.

The child's irritable behavior was a result of lack of sleep.

quick to respond to stimuli; sensitive.

His irritable skin reacted badly to the harsh soap.

from Latin 'irritabilis', meaning 'to provoke or excite'

irritable bowel syndrome

a gastrointestinal disorder causing cramping, abdominal pain, bloating, gas, and diarrhea or constipation

irritable temperament

a personality trait characterized by frequent annoyance or easily losing one's temper

irritation

the state of being annoyed or angry

irritant

a substance that causes annoyance or discomfort

irritability

the quality of being irritable

cranky

After a sleepless night, she's feeling pretty cranky.

snappy

He was snappy with me all day, clearly in an irritable mood.