Irascibility

Irascibility is the tendency to be easily provoked to anger; a proneness to outbursts of temper. It describes a disposition marked by irritability and a quickness to take offense, leading to volatile reactions. Individuals exhibiting irascibility often display a short fuse and may become angry or agitated over minor issues that would not usually bother others. This temperament can manifest physically, through raised voices, flushed faces, or aggressive actions, and emotionally, through feelings of resentment and frustration. It suggests a lack of emotional control and a difficulty managing internal responses to external stimuli.

Irascibility meaning with examples

• The old man's irascibility made it difficult for his grandchildren to visit. Small mistakes like a dropped toy or a spill of juice could trigger a sharp reprimand. He found it hard to contain his temper when facing minor setbacks, leaving the children wary of causing any perceived offense and curtailing their visits.
• Her irascibility often surfaced in the workplace when dealing with demanding clients. She'd lash out at colleagues and become overly sensitive to criticism, making it challenging to maintain a professional environment. Her team members grew cautious, knowing that any minor slip-up might provoke a harsh response and impede project cooperation.
• The chronic pain from his illness amplified his irascibility, making him easily agitated. He would snap at his wife over trivial matters such as changing the channel or opening a window. The constant discomfort lowered his threshold for frustration, coloring their interactions with tension and increasing their disagreements.
• Despite her efforts to meditate, the constant noise in the city exacerbated her irascibility, transforming her into an irritable commuter. She became quick to anger on her daily journey, reacting impatiently to traffic delays and crowded subway cars, displaying frustration and an aversion to interaction.
• The politician's irascibility became a major impediment to his political career, leading to public criticism. He'd abruptly end interviews and react harshly to challenges from journalists and political opponents, deterring voters and generating negative media coverage. His reactions demonstrated a serious lack of self control.