What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
irascible
Example
The irascible old man yelled at the kids for playing too loudly outside his house. [irascible: adjective]
Example
She had an irascible personality, often getting into arguments with coworkers over minor issues. [irascibility: noun]
cranky
Example
He's always cranky in the morning until he has his coffee. [cranky: adjective]
Example
The baby was cranky and wouldn't stop crying no matter what we did. [crankiness: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Cranky is more commonly used than irascible in everyday language. Cranky is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while irascible is less common and has a more specific meaning.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between irascible and cranky?
Both irascible and cranky are informal words and are not typically used in formal contexts. However, irascible may be considered slightly more formal due to its less common usage and more specific meaning.
