Irritability/ˌɪrɪtəˈbɪləti/ Definition 1 of 3Pro Tip 1/3Emotional State Irritability often implies a temporary emotional state, not a permanent trait. The heat caused a surge of irritability in me. Pro Tip 2/3Trigger Warning Describe what triggers irritability - such as hunger, to convey contextual causes. Her irritability before lunch was due to hunger. Pro Tip 3/3Cultural Perception In some cultures, openly showing irritability is frowned upon. He tried to hide his irritability in the formal meeting.