What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
orneriness
Example
The old man's orneriness made it hard for anyone to get along with him. [orneriness: noun]
Example
She displayed her orneriness by refusing to follow the rules. [orneriness: noun]
irritability
Example
His irritability made it hard for him to work with others. [irritability: noun]
Example
She was in an irritable mood after a long day at work. [irritable: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Irritability is more commonly used than orneriness in everyday language. Irritability is a more versatile term that can be used in a variety of contexts, while orneriness is less common and may be seen as more colloquial or regional.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between orneriness and irritability?
Neither orneriness nor irritability are particularly formal terms, but irritability may be more appropriate in professional or academic settings due to its broader usage and more neutral connotation.
