What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
irritability
Example
His irritability made it difficult for him to work in a team. [irritability: noun]
Example
She was feeling irritable after a long day at work. [irritable: adjective]
peevishness
Example
Her peevishness made it hard for her to make friends. [peevishness: noun]
Example
He was in a peevish mood all day, snapping at everyone who crossed his path. [peevish: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Irritability is a more common word than peevishness in everyday language. Irritability is a versatile term that can be used in various contexts, while peevishness is less common and has a more negative connotation.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between irritability and peevishness?
Both irritability and peevishness are neutral terms that can be used in formal and informal contexts without sounding too casual or too formal.