What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
grumpiness
Example
He woke up in a grumpy mood and didn't want to talk to anyone. [grumpy: adjective]
Example
Her grumpiness was evident in the way she complained about everything. [grumpiness: noun]
irritability
Example
The lack of sleep made him irritable and short-tempered. [irritable: adjective]
Example
Her irritability was evident in the way she snapped at everyone around her. [irritability: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Irritability is more commonly used than grumpiness in everyday language. Irritability is a more specific and intense emotion that is often associated with stress or discomfort, while grumpiness is a more general and diffuse mood that may be caused by a variety of factors.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between grumpiness and irritability?
Both grumpiness and irritability are informal words that are typically used in casual conversation rather than formal writing or speech.