adjective
irascible
ih-RAS-uh-bul
Irascible (adjective) means Easily made angry; quick-tempered by nature. Example: “The old editor was brilliant, generous and thoroughly irascible.”
adjective
1
Easily made angry; quick-tempered by nature.
"The old editor was brilliant, generous and thoroughly irascible."
"He grew more irascible as the deadline slipped."
How to use irascible
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSomeone who loses their temper very easily.
When to use it
Formal and often affectionate, applied to a character rather than a one-off mood.
Memory tip
The noun is irascibility. Note the sc spelling, which follows the Latin irasci.
Trace the full origin ↓
Easily confused with
irascible / irritable
irascible / erasable
Common pairings
irascible temper
irascible old man
famously irascible
irascible but kind
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The old editor was brilliant, generous and thoroughly _____.
Etymology
From Latin irascibilis, from irasci 'to grow angry', from ira 'anger'.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for irascible
See all rhymes for irascible →Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between irascible and irritable?
Irritable describes a state you can be in temporarily, perhaps from tiredness or hunger. Irascible describes a settled disposition: the person is built that way and flares up easily at any time.
Is irascible an insult?
It is critical, but a mild and often fond criticism. It is frequently used of respected, difficult people such as veteran teachers, chefs and editors.
How do you pronounce irascible?
Say ih-RAS-uh-bul, with the stress on the second syllable and the sc pronounced as a simple s sound.
What is the meaning of irascible?
"irascible" (adjective) means easily made angry; quick-tempered by nature.
