irritability

USAGE SUMMARY

'irritability' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use the word to describe someone's tendency to become easily agitated, frustrated, or annoyed. For example: "John had an irritability about him that made it hard for people to get along with him."

✓ Grammatically correct

Health and Medicine

Psychology

General Well-being

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Many of the criteria for diagnosing Sad are the same as those for depression: low mood, lack of energy, inability to enjoy things, irritability and loss of interest in sex.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Right now, it is Alice's irritability that is causing Nick most consternation, because this might well indicate that such a thing is happening – "Some kind of meningitic process," he tells me later.

The Guardian

The rights of man ReprintsRaising the general testosterone level, though, has unfortunate side-effects: weight gain, acne and irritability.

The Economist

Ursula Jauch, a philosopher at Zurich University, told the conference how Albrecht von Haller, an early physiologist, was consumed by guilt about what he did to God's creatures while studying the "irritability" of muscles by electricity.One balm for Haller's dilemma was Cartesianism: the idea that only human beings are sentient and animals are just cleverly created machines.

The Economist

A chimp that scored highly for irritability, for example, was also likely to score highly for aggression and for jealousy, and to have low scores for calmness and relaxation.

The Economist

This is characterised by irritability and low energy.

The Economist

The psychological forecast is mixed with a chance of declining morale, increased irritability and dwindling motivation.To be sure, the dire predictions are not specific to this mission or crew, which has got on remarkably well so far.

The Economist

Psychological symptoms, such as anxiety and irritability, can also be present.

The Economist

IRRITABILITY, sudden mood changes, bloating?

The Economist

Prolonged wearing of individual protective equipment can lead to stress, fatigue, disorientation, confusion, frustration, and irritability.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Saw-scaled vipers are small, but their irritability, aggressive nature, and lethal venom make them very dangerous.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing "irritability", consider specifying the triggers or underlying causes to provide a more complete picture. For example, instead of just saying "He experienced irritability", you could say "His irritability was triggered by lack of sleep".

Common error

Avoid using "irritability" as a direct synonym for aggression. While irritability can sometimes lead to aggressive behavior, it's primarily a state of heightened sensitivity and annoyance, not necessarily an outward act of aggression.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "irritability" is as a noun, referring to a state or quality of being easily annoyed or provoked. Ludwig AI confirms this, noting its usability in describing someone's tendency to become agitated. Examples show it used in contexts relating to mood, symptoms, and behavior.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Encyclopedias

28%

News & Media

26%

Science

23%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The analysis of "irritability" reveals it to be a commonly used noun describing a state of being easily annoyed or provoked. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and practical usability. With 65 real-world examples, it's frequently found in encyclopedias and news media, reflecting its relevance in discussions about health, psychology, and general well-being. The phrase conveys a specific emotional or physiological state, serving to describe a person's disposition or reaction to stimuli. While generally neutral in register, it's crucial to distinguish "irritability" from aggression, as it represents a heightened sensitivity rather than necessarily an outward act. Related terms include "annoyance", "frustration", and "exasperation", each carrying slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

annoyance

Focuses on the feeling of being bothered or disturbed.

exasperation

Emphasizes a feeling of intense frustration and irritation.

frustration

Highlights the feeling of being blocked or prevented from achieving a goal.

petulance

Suggests a childish display of bad temper and impatience.

testiness

Implies a tendency to be easily annoyed and impatient.

grouchiness

Conveys a general state of grumbling and discontent.

peevishness

Indicates a querulous or complaining attitude.

bad temper

Describes a disposition to be easily angered.

short fuse

Refers to a quick temper or tendency to react angrily.

choleric

Indicates a disposition that is easily angered; irascible.

FAQs

How to use "irritability" in a sentence?

You can use "irritability" to describe a state of being easily annoyed or frustrated. For example, "One of the symptoms of stress is increased irritability."

What can I say instead of "irritability"?

You can use alternatives like "annoyance", "frustration", or "exasperation" depending on the specific context.

What causes "irritability"?

"Irritability" can be caused by various factors, including stress, lack of sleep, hormonal changes, or underlying medical conditions.

Is "irritability" a symptom of a mental health condition?

Yes, "irritability" can be a symptom of several mental health conditions, such as depression, anxiety disorders, and bipolar disorder.