Irritable

Definition

Irritable is an adjective describing a tendency to become easily annoyed, irritated, or provoked; it can also refer to sensitivity to physical stimuli or discomfort causing a quick adverse reaction.

Parts of Speech

• Adjective

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA: /ˈɪr.ɪ.tə.bəl/
• Respelling: IR-i-tuh-buhl

British English

• IPA: /ˈɪr.ɪ.tə.bəl/
• Respelling: IR-i-tuh-buhl

Etymology

Early 17th century: from Late Latin irritabilis ‘capable of being provoked,’ from irritare ‘to provoke, excite,’ from Latin in- ‘upon’ + ritare (akin to ridere) ‘to excite, provoke.’

Derivatives

• irritability (noun)
• irritably (adverb)
• irritate (verb)

Synonyms

• testy
• touchy
• peevish
• cranky
• short-tempered

Antonyms

• calm
• patient
• tolerant
• composed
• easygoing

Usage

The adjective "irritable" is used in medical, psychological, and everyday contexts to describe a person’s mood or a body part’s sensitivity. For example, "He felt irritable after a sleepless night," or "Her irritable skin reacted to the new soap."

Related Terms

• Irritation: The feeling of being annoyed or the reaction of tissue to a stimulus.
• Agitation: A state of nervous excitement or unease.
• Frustration: The feeling of being upset or annoyed, especially due to inability to change something.
• Anxiety: A feeling of worry or unease.
• Testiness: The quality of being easily annoyed or impatient.

Detailed Definitions

Adjective

• Easily annoyed or angered – tending to become irritated quickly by minor provocations.
  • Example: "He was so irritable that the slightest noise would bother him."
• Sensitive to physical stimuli or discomfort – reacting adversely to touch, temperature, or other physical sensations.
  • Example: "Her irritable skin reacted to the new soap."
• Prone to being upset by minor physical or mental stress – easily disturbed when unwell or under pressure.
  • Example: "She became irritable whenever she had a cold."